Juliana from Tasmania has asked about the Law of Attraction. Is it for real or is it hype? The phenomenal bestseller, The Secret, caused quite a sensation when it was launched in 2006, but amid the hype I believe there is some sound evidence that the key message behind it is valid. The idea that mind and body is one, and that our thoughts and attitude, whether positive or negative, is proven to affect our wellbeing. A common example of this is the way we react to stress - the fight or flight response. 

But how can the law of attraction impact on fortysomething happiness? The truth is taking a positive spin on life can help anyone of any age, but turning forty can present some people with  unique challenges - ageing, being suddenly single, and needing to redefine your role in life being a few of them. Ways to be more positive include disputing negative thoughts and avoiding use of all-encompassing words to describe problems or defeats, such as “never” and “always”, don't dwell on it if something bad happens, and limit contact with negative people - if someone is purposely and constantly insensitive or abusive toward you, don’t feel obliged to remain friends regardless of who they are.

For more information, refer to Chapter 8 of the book, entitled Happiness.