If your heart is not filled with light and joy it may be that it is dimmed with the shadows of resentment, disappointment or anger. During this happy--and for many of us, holy--season, it's a good time to look into our hearts and souls to see what keeps us from bursting with joy. Often, we discover the need to forgive.

First, we must forgive ourselves, for any past mistakes or regretted decisions. Remember, those were based on who we were and what we knew then. It has nothing to do with who we choose to be today. So starting today, we forgive ourselves.

And starting today, we must forgive someone else, no matter how horrific the offense...and I know some are horrific. But I've learned that when we don't forgive someone, it doesn't hurt them, it only hurts us. Why would we give someone who has hurt us so deeply the power to continue to hurt us, giving us sleepless nights, upset stomachs, and headaches? We must forgive them. We deserve it.

Science shows that people who forgive others enjoy better mental and physical health. They have significantly lower levels of blood pressure, anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem and fewer illnesses.

So starting today, forgive yourself and someone else. And let your heart sing!