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I Can Do It: How to Use Affirmations to Change Your Life

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In this concise yet information-packed book—which you can listen to on the included audio download or read at your leisure—bestselling author LOUISE HAY shows you that you “can do it”—that is, change and improve virtually every aspect of your life—by understanding and using affirmations correctly. Louise explains that every thought you think and every word you speak is an affirmation. Even your self-talk, your internal dialogue, is a stream of affirmations. You’re affirming and creating your life experiences with every word and thought. Your beliefs are merely habitual thinking patterns that you learned as a child, and many of them work very well for you. But other beliefs may be limiting your ability to create the very things you say you want. You need to pay attention to your thoughts so that you can begin to eliminate the ones creating experiences that you don’t want. As Louise discusses topics such as health, forgiveness, prosperity, creativity, relationships, job success, and self-esteem, you’ll see that affirmations are solutions that will replace whatever problem you might have in a particular area. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to say “I can do it” with confidence, knowing that you’re on your way to the wonderful, joy-filled life you deserve.

Audiobook

Published April 18, 2020

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About the author

Louise L. Hay

631 books2,904 followers
Louise Hay was born to a poor mother who married Hay's violent stepfather. When she was about five, she was raped by a neighbor. At fifteen she dropped out of high school without a diploma, became pregnant, and on her sixteenth birthday gave up her newborn baby girl for adoption.

She moved to Chicago, where she worked in menial jobs, before moving in 1950 to New York. At this point she changed her name and began a career as a fashion model. She was successful at this, working for Bill Blass, Oleg Cassini, and Pauline Trigere.

In 1954, she married Andrew Hay, but after fourteen years of marriage Louise was devastated when Andrew left her for another woman.

Hay said that she found the First Church of Religious Science on 48th Street, which taught the transformative power of thought. Hay revealed that here she studied the metaphysical works of authors like Florence Scovel Shinn and the Religious Science founder Ernest Holmes.

In the early 1970's Hay became a Religious Science practitioner. In this role she led people in spoken affirmations meant to cure their illnesses. She also became popular as a workshop leader.

She studied transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at his university in Fairfield, Iowa.

In 1977 or 1978 she found she had cervical cancer, and she concluded that its cause was her unwillingness to let go of resentment over her childhood abuse and rape. She refused medical treatment, and began a regimen of forgiveness, therapy, reflexology, nutrition, and occasional enemas, and claims she rid herself of the cancer. She declared that there is no doctor left who can confirm this story, but swore that it is true.

In 1976 Hay wrote a small pamphlet, which came to be called "Heal Your Body." This pamphlet was enlarged and extended into her book You Can Heal Your Life, which was published in 1984. As of February 2008, it is still on the New York Times best sellers list.

Around the same time she began leading support groups for people living with H.I.V. or AIDS that she called Hay Rides. These grew from a few people in her living room to hundreds in a large hall in West Hollywood. Her work with AIDS patients drew fame and she was invited to appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Donahue" in the same week in March, 1988.

You Can Heal Your Life immediately landed on the New York Times Best Sellers List. More than 35 million copies are now in print around the world in more than 30 languages and has been made into a movie.

Louise Hay established Hay House Publishing. It is the primary publisher of books and audio books by Deepak Chopra and Doreen Virtue, as well as many books by Wayne Dyer.

In addition to running her publishing company, Hay runs a charitable organization called Hay Foundation that was established in 1985.

Information courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

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5 stars
1,150 (52%)
4 stars
612 (27%)
3 stars
344 (15%)
2 stars
69 (3%)
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35 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for anushka ♡.
144 reviews244 followers
Read
July 7, 2023
This was really nice to hear ngl 🫶
Profile Image for Yelda Basar Moers.
218 reviews141 followers
July 26, 2016

I found this little book in a bookstore called The Higher Self Bookstore while traveling this week in Traverse City, Michigan. I love discovering bookstores on my travels. What drew me to it were the words, "I CAN DO IT." It reminded me of the storybook I read to my children, "The Little Engine That Could," when the little blue engine keeps saying, "I think I can," as she tries to climb the mountain. Words are very powerful, especially the words we tell ourselves. I found this book to be transformative. I began saying these affirmations and I did feel a shift in myself. The author Louise Hay is a pioneer in empowerment and self development. She also offers I CAN DO IT empowerment cards as well. Those four little words, just say them and feel their push!
Profile Image for Haneen Najeh.
54 reviews69 followers
February 7, 2014
beautiful book with great information inside it.
I really enjoyed it; it gives the reader a beautiful positive energy.

JUST On Time
Profile Image for Cathy.
124 reviews
April 7, 2008
My aunt sent this book to me because I was sick and was having trouble being patient with healing. It is very simple and has lists of affirmations you can use to change the way you are thinking about things. One day I was in the kitchen worrying about not feeling well and my 4 year old son ran and got the book and handed it to me. So, if he thinks it helps, there must be something to it.
Profile Image for Jana.
93 reviews15 followers
June 5, 2008
I won this book in a drawing at the gym, and it was a bizarre experience, because I somehow KNEW I needed to read it and KNEW I was going to win it.

It deals with affirmations, in all areas of life, and similar to The Secret, how changing our worldview can chane actual circumstances.

I put it to the test and saw an immediate turnaround.
Profile Image for Tote Cabana.
399 reviews50 followers
August 1, 2018
Este es un librito muy cortito pero poderoso. Hace muchos años descubrí el poder de las afirmaciones y trato de practicarlo la mayor parte del tiempo y no dejan de sorprenderme los maravillosos resultados. Toda acción proviene de un pensamiento, si llegamos a educar nuestra mente para vibran en positivo y atraer lo que si queremos podremos disfrutar de este mágico regalo. Un libro para tener de cabecera y amoldarlo a tus necesidades.
Profile Image for Brittany Depezynski.
11 reviews
July 17, 2010
I listen to the cd every day. The more I listen to it the more I understand what shes talking about and allow really cool/crazy connections to work out in my life. Its been a really positive experience :)
1 review1 follower
June 25, 2020
I started reading a book written by this writer about two years ago. Positive affirmation has a great influence on my life. After meeting louise, i knew that my life would get better and better in the future.
Profile Image for chillrudi.
121 reviews25 followers
May 4, 2022
هیشکی نمی‌تونه اندازه‌ی لوئیز حالمو خوب کنه 😊♥️
عاشق کتاب‌هاشم
Profile Image for Mari.
19 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2008
This is my favorite book that I use continually for the affirmations. The affirmations are very powerful.. This book also comes with a CD with affirmations from the book. Louis L. Hay is very loving and soothing.
Profile Image for Marwa Chaari.
31 reviews21 followers
October 19, 2020
A life-changing book and a must-read for everyone who wants to improve his / her mindset.
Profile Image for Vy Nguyen.
62 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
Cuốn sách này mình đọc trong 1 ngày vì nó ngắn gọn, dễ hiểu và dễ áp dụng. Nd xoay quanh luật hấp dẫn, cách vận hành của vũ trụ và cách thu hút những điều mình mong muốn đến với mình. Ko ai có thể làm tổn thương mình nếu bản thân ko cho phép. Chỉ có chính mình mới làm chủ vận mệnh của bản thân. Suy nghĩ tích cực bằng những câu khẳng định tích cực. Gửi gắm mơ ước của mình vào vũ trụ, tin tưởng, và cư xử như thể mình đã đạt đc điều đó. Tóm lại là dêc đọc và dễ áp dụng ạ
Profile Image for Naveen Kumar.
189 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2022
#55 of 100 self help books
Good
I​ always love​ your​ healing​ and​ powerful​ words.​ For​ someone who are looking for​ a​ profound and​ efficient way to​ change your​ life, I​ suggest​ this​ book.​ It​ will​ change​ your​ quality- truly from​ inside.

Louis, thank you​ for​ writing this​ book.​
Profile Image for Anh Nguyen .
51 reviews11 followers
March 23, 2022
I can do it

Sách giấy 160 trang, mình nghe bản audio book 1h10p.

Một cuốn sách giúp bạn sử dụng nhiều lời khẳng định trong cuộc sống của mình để tác động tiềm thức & thu hút luật hấp dẫn, tự tin, tích cực hơn.

Sách phù hợp với những bạn mới đọc sách, hoặc những bạn đang tiêu cực, tự ti, stress muốn được sống chậm lại & thêm động lực.

Với những bạn đã đọc được kha khá sách rồi thì thấy cuốn này không đủ đô hihi
3 reviews
June 2, 2023
Titel: "Je kunt het: Hoe je affirmaties kunt gebruiken om gelukkiger te worden" - boekrecensie
Auteur: Louise Hay

- In "Je kunt het: Hoe je affirmaties kunt gebruiken om gelukkiger te worden" neemt auteur Louise Hay lezers mee op een reis naar zelfontdekking en innerlijke zelf-groei. Het boek is een inspirerende gids die de kracht van affirmaties reflecteert en hoe ze ons leven kunnen transformeren. Met haar jarenlange evaring als spiritueel leraar en auteur, biedt mevr.Hay praktische tips en inzichten om positieve veranderingen in ons leven te leven te brengen . Door haar eigen spirituele weerkaatsingen in het leven komt ze haar zelf soms tegen en deelt ze nuttige informatie hoe je als eigen individu gelukkig kan zijn .

-Een van de waardevolste aspecten vn dit boek is de nadruk op de kracht van onze gedachten en de rol die ze spelen bij het vormgeven van onze realiteit. Hay legt uit hoe onze overtuigingen en gedachten patronen invloed hebben op alle aspecten van ons leven, inclusief ons geluk en welzijn. Ze introduceert affirmaties als een krachtig instrument om negatieve gedachten te vervangen door positieve en ondersteunende gedachten. Met daarbij nadruk heeft de auteur ook aantal factoren aangebracht wat geluk bij elk individu kan van afhangen . Hay leert ons hoe we onze affirmaties kunnen formuleren en hoe we ze effectief kunnen gebruiken en dat vond ik prachtig . Ze benadrukt het belang van herhaling en consistentie bij het versterken van positieve overtuigingen. Ze geeft de lezers de tools om zelf aan het werk te gaan, en jezelf beter af te lezen .

Ik som enkele aspecten, waarrond ze heeft gewerkt .
- zelf acceptatie
- zelfliefde
- creativiteit
Bij deze 3 aspecten heeft Louise hay een uitgebreid " samenvatting "en eigen reflectie over geschreven .
Ze somt enkele sterke motieven wat wij als mens kunnen doen om deze "vaardigheid" onder controle te krijgen en vanwaar het komt . Veel mensen staan niet centraal dat deze vaardigheden ons maken tot wie we zijn vandaag . Dit wilt dat ook zeggen dat we deze "affirmaties" kunnen trainen en onder controle krijgen om ons welzijn en geluk te BOOSTEN . En dit juist wat "Lousie hay " zo fantastisch heeft gedaan.


//Mijn mening over dit boek //.
Dit boek heeft me op een dergelijke zelf-avontuur gebracht . Het heeft mij dieper naar mijzelf getrokken en aangeleerd wat affirmaties zijn . Dit boek sprak me al direct aan, omdat ik veel bezig ben met welzijn van mijn eigen lichaam . Ik hou van het verdiepen in boeken waar ik mentale energie kan van leren en dit ook onder controle kan krijgen . "Hay" heeft me geleerd dat moeilijk ook gaat en dat het gewoon een vorm is van aanpassen en zelf aan te leren . Ik bedank "Louise hay " voor dit prachtig boek uit te brengen , en raad iedereen aan om dit ook te lezen " voor de mensen die hun zelf beter willen aflezen" .
Dank
Profile Image for Yousra Obeid.
50 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2020
A book about self-affirmations. A way to have a better mindset & to shun negativity away.

It can be a bit tedious to read at first but after I finished reading it, i realized that it did give me some beneficial affirmations and insights that i would like to use in real life like believing that each of us is creative on their own way & that we have to establish our creativity and develop self-confidence to unleash our creativity instead of leashing it with fear.

It even told us to do what we truly want to do instead of solely "having an intention" to do it but not doing it.

It ppromotes consistent positive thinking which can also feel wrong because it kinds of promotes toxic positivity & unauthenticity of human emotions. Sometimes we have to discover the dark in order to see the light and appreciate it genuinely. So, i can't agree with all of the affirmations & I'm pretty sure that others won't either.

Some of my favourite excerpts from the book:


• I love myself exactly as I am, I no longer want to be perfect just to love myself.

• Dwelling on lack creates more lack. Thinking of poverty brings more poverty, thinking of gratitude, brings abundance.

Thank you.
Profile Image for Hil.
496 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2012
I can't guarantee that this stuff works but I can't see why it wouldn't. The advice inside here is sound and I'd say this book is a good overview of what various other spiritual-type books would tell you, e.g. think positively; if you want something, think as if you already have it and not about wanting it; have an attitude of gratitude; don't think you'll 'never' do or get something you want; give yourself love, especially the bits of you you don't like, and don't look for the love you need in others before you can give it to yourself. That kind of thing. It all makes sense. I do think this book is quite expensive for what it is - recycled knowledge - but it does have some really good examples of positive affirmations for people looking to make their own. I really liked "that may be true for other people but it isn't true for me". You can make your own affirmations - it's probably better that way - but there are some good ones here for inspiration.
Profile Image for Ellie.
150 reviews36 followers
August 27, 2013
3 positive stars!

I am not a fan of self help books, but I got this one for my 18th birthday, so I gave it a try.
And I must admit, it was much more inspirational than I thought it could ever be.
I don't like when people are telling me how to live my life. Luckily this is not one of those cases.
'I Can Do It' represent a way how to make your life better, if you want to, by using positive thoughts.
After I read it, I realized some things, which I already knew, but never really thought about them.
Profile Image for Calypso.
216 reviews
January 2, 2016
Um livro pequeno e extremamente fácil de ler que nos mostra a força dos pensamentos positivos e o quanto estes podem provocar alterações nas nossas vidas. Infelizmente já li outro livro que abordava o mesmo tema e tal acabou por afectar esta leitura, daí as 3 estrelas (like it) da minha parte. Certamente que teria apreciado mais os seus ensinamentos se o tema me fosse completamente novo.
Profile Image for Sailor_doom.
119 reviews22 followers
May 22, 2025
Estrellas: 3.5
En general he huido de este tipo de literatura. Decidí darle una oportunidad ya que era cortito, y bueno, tampoco me iba a hacer daño. Ha habido cosas que ciertamente me han ayudado o mas bien necesitaba que me dijeran.
Profile Image for Stacey M.
70 reviews18 followers
February 25, 2009
Great reminders of having abundant thinking! Liked it better than The Secret.
Profile Image for Lmcelebre.
97 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2011
Love this book. I have read it and re-read it. I have even usd it with my clients. Three cheers for Louise Hay!
Profile Image for S..
214 reviews87 followers
May 7, 2012
2,5
Profile Image for Brittany.
339 reviews
May 24, 2014
This is a nice little book with positive affirmations to get you motivated and feeling good about your life.
1 review
June 28, 2018
Helped me heal a few things in my life.
Profile Image for Tina.
425 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2020
“Ich bin ein Geldmagnet”
Das Buch ist nicht so gut. Es ist sehr “woo-woo”
Profile Image for Diana Alvarez.
62 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2021
Si, a veces necesito de estas lecturas 🤷🏽‍♀️ siempre llegan para darle un abracito a mi corazón. Un libro que te anima a dejar de juzgarte y convertirte en el amor de tu vida siempre viene bien.
Profile Image for قسمت خالد.
Author 4 books85 followers
August 5, 2024
إذا حدث أمرٌ غير سارٍّ لك خلال اليوم، توجه مباشرةً إلى المرآة وقل: «أحبك في الأحوال كافة». فالأحداث تأتي وتذهب، لكن الحب الذي تكنّه لنفسك يمكن أن يبقى كما هو،
Profile Image for Jessica.
64 reviews
January 15, 2026
Louise Hay never goes out of style 💁‍♀️ she said I have to read this for the next thirty days so I’m probably gonna turn into Louise Hay. Jessise Tay. You can do it! I mean, I can do it!


Health

“I enjoy the foods that are best for my body.”

“I love every cell of my body.”

“I take loving care of my body.”

“I am constantly discovering new ways to improve my health.”

“Healing happens.”

“I have a special Guardian Angel. I am divinely guided and protected at all times.”

“I am grateful for my healthy body. I love life!” 🧡


Forgiveness

“I claim my own power.”

“I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now.”

“I am ready to be healed. I am willing to forgive. And All is well.”

“I know that old negative patterns no longer limit me. I let them go with ease.”

“It is now safe for me to release.”


Prosperity & Wealth

“My income is constantly increasing.”

“I prosper wherever I turn.”

“I am open and receptive to all the good and abundance in the universe. And thank you life!”

“I am a magnet for money.”

“Prosperity of every kind is drawn to me.”

“I pay my bills with love, and I rejoice as I write out each check. Abundance flows freely through me.”

“I release all resistance to money, and I now allow it to flow joyously into my life.”

“My good comes from everywhere and everyone.”


Creativity

“I am a clear thinker, and I express myself with ease.”

“I am learning to be more creative everyday.”

“My potential is unlimited.”

“I’m discovering talents I did not know I had.”

“My unique gifts are appreciated by those around me.”

“I am a joyous creative expression of life; ideas come to me easily and effortlessly.”


Relationships & Love

“I choose to see clearly with eyes of love.”

“Love is around every corner, and joy fills my entire world.”

“I am beautiful and everybody loves me. I am greeted by love wherever I go.”

“I attract only healthy relationships; I am always treated well.”

“I am very thankful for all the love in my life. I find it everywhere.”


Career Success

“My job is a peaceful haven. I bless my job with love; I put love in every corner, and my job lovingly responds with warmth and comfort. I am at peace.”

“I only give out that which I wish to receive. My love and acceptance of others is mirrored to me in every way.”

“Refuse to be limited in any way by human mind thinking”

“No matter where I am, there is only infinite good, infinite wisdom, infinite harmony, and love.”

“The joy I find in my career is reflected in my overall happiness.”

“I have unlimited choices.”

“Everyone I encounter at work today has my best interest at heart.”

“I have unlimited potential. Only good lies before me.”


Stress

“I find myself relaxing more and more.”

“I feel more secure each day.”

“I trust myself.”


Self-Esteem

“My self-esteem is high, because I honor who I am.”

“My life gets more fabulous every day; I look forward to what each new hour brings.”

“Life supports me in every possible way.”


This has been Jessise Tay. And I like you.
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