Christmas is a happy time but also a sad time for many. It’s about family, and when that family bond has cracks, then it can be hard.

My dad recently passed away, so this Christmas has not been that great. I never mentioned it before; I guess I didn’t want to write it down or speak it aloud.

It was never an easy relationship as my parent split up 20 years ago, another subject I rarely talk about but I have decided that its time to stop holding onto things and release them in 2019.

I hold too many feelings within, if I had a flaw that would be it. I think of others before myself, putting me at the back of the line.

The problem with that is the fact that over time it wears you down until it gets to the point you lose yourself, and once that happens, it’s tough to find yourself again.

My dad was a deeply religious man, but he held a lot of un-forgiveness in his heart. I tried for years to advise him to change and to see things from my perspective, but he never did.

I have no regrets; I stuck with him through thick and thin. No matter how much he hurt me I never walked away.

I saw a man in pain; I saw a man that lost his way, I saw a man that had thrown everything away. I saw first hand what holding onto un-forgiveness’ can do to a person.

I watched my dad’s health erode over the years and in the end, COPD take him from a 14 stone (200 pounds) energetic, vibrant man to a seven stone (100 pounds) skeleton in the matter of a year.

It’s hard for me to write this, but if my words help one person, then they have fulfilled their purpose. Holding negativity on the inside of you for most of your life will kill your spirit, and rob you of your happiness. You can lose family, friends and most importantly, your peace of mind.

When you talk about forgiveness most people look the other way, it’s something that no one wants to face.

But forgive we must if we are to see a brighter tomorrow.

Take a walk outside and close your eyes. Feel the wind cleanse your spirit, making you brand new.

From today only let love flow through your heart, and I promise you peace joy and happiness will enter your life.

Wishing you, family and friends the most amazing year of your life.