This year is unlike any other, and literally the worst year our generation has ever experienced — even the Times Magazine claims that. So, we should not treat 2020 the same way as we did to any other — counting up your accomplishments, and failure like you usually do at the very end of the year. You shouldn’t compare everything you’ve done this year to the years in your past. You shouldn’t feel guilty about all the things on last year’s resolution list that failed to come to execution this year.

You should be gentle on yourself when you’re looking back at the goals you did not achieve in 2020. Instead of regretting all of the things that you didn’t get to do, be thankful that you are here and still have the opportunity to accomplish them next year. Be thankful that you have a beautiful future full of hope and chances ahead of you where you can make up for the lost time.

It’s okay if all you did this year is to survive.

You’re not the only one who is feeling like they could’ve done more. Could’ve worked harder, could’ve exercised more, could’ve studied more, could’ve made more money, or could’ve spoken to your loved ones more. But you need to realize, this year is not about going above and beyond, and exceeding expectations. It is about staying sane — it is about surviving.

2020 is the year to count all your blessings, 2020 is the year to have more time with yourself, and realize the value of the things you still have.

Of course, it’s okay to feel upset when you get your hopes dashed and dreams broken, or plans did not work the way you imagined. Maybe you were hoping this would be the year you would land your dream career or discover your soulmate or get married or travel your dream destinations. Maybe your were expecting to soar high in January but came crashing down as the year went by.

This year is the time to become more appreciative with things we have — be it big, or small. I am grateful for my health, for my loved ones’ safety, for the job I still have, for my dogs who are keeping me sane and adamant. I am grateful that I am able to survive the year of doldrums and ennui.

Like any other year, you probably have regrets. You probably have awful memories you never want to relive. You probably have moments when you could have done better.

This year was and utter hell for everyone — and looking at the silver lining is the best option you have to continue living. Although you might not be ready to look at the brighter side yet — it’s okay. You might never be able to find the good in this year and that’s okay. You don’t have to act like everything is fine when it’s not — it’s okay not to be okay. But I hope soon you would get to realize that it’s still a good life after all.

You’re allowed to be enraged or bitter or upset about the time you’ve lost — or the people you’ve lost. You’re allowed to welcome this new year saying the only good thing about 2020 is that it’s officially over.

Just know that you did your best in 2020. You shouldn’t be disappointed in yourself. You shouldn’t feel like you wasted time or energy when you were doing everything you could to get through this year.