Louise Hay, who’s credited with starting the self-help movement over 40 years ago, passed away on August 30, 2017. According to sources, she died peacefully in her sleep. What she leaves behind is a powerful legacy that will continue to inspire people for many more years.
Hay was a pioneer of the self-help movement
Considered to be a living saint, Hay was born in Los Angeles in 1926. She went on to model for top designers in New York City. She began her revolutionary work at the age 46, while taking on ministerial duties in New York City. Four years later, she published her first book, Heal Your Body, which tackled a then-novel idea: the mind-body connection.
It was a favorite among readers, who continue to refer to it as the “little blue book.”
Hay’s teachings reach millions of people throughout the world
Since then, Hay has gone on to publish at least 10 more books, including several bestsellers. What’s more, she began her own publishing company, Hay House in 1987, which continues to produce inspirational and motivational literature including those from thought leaders like, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Abraham Hicks, Dr. Christiane Northrup and others. Her spiritual empire also expanded to Hay House Radio in 2005, followed by a movie, a mobile app and a booming website.
According to Hay, your beliefs create your reality
Hay’s chief teaching was that the beliefs and ideas you hold about yourself, not only influence your health and wellness, but they actually cause emotional and physical problems.
For some, this may be hard to accept, but the proof is in the pudding, as Hay demonstrated in her own experience with cancer.
Hay healed herself of cancer
For skeptics and critics of this mindset, it’s worth considering that in 1978, Hay was diagnosed with cervical cancer during the 1970s. She opted to forego traditional treatments, such as drugs and surgery, and created her own healing program: an intense system, made up of positive affirmations, visualizations and more.
Six months later, she was cancer free.
In her 1984 bestselling book, You Can Heal Your Life, Hay doesn’t offer a pie-in-the-sky solution to illness. Instead, she shares the same program she created and implemented in her fight against cancer. And with over 50 million copies in print, Hay’s work has gone on to support countless others who believe that your thoughts matter when it comes to health and wellbeing.
Age is irrelevant in living out your dream
With so many desperate to find their calling, passion or purpose early in life, Hay stands as an inspiration for many. It wasn’t until her mid-forties that she embarked on a revolutionary path that would change the world. What’s more, Hay believes that age has nothing to do with creating and manifesting your dreams.
She’s been dubbed “The Queen of Affirmations”, and it’s no wonder since positive affirmations make up the groundwork for her teachings. They are simple but powerful tools to turn negative mindsets into positive ones. Considering Hay’s legacy and the dire state of current affairs, they’re worth a try.
