Let’s take a moment and give ourselves a pat on the back. What a feat to have completed another year!

For those who persevered through an especially rough year, bigger kudos to you for pulling through against all odds!

While all our stories differ, I’m sure one common trait this past year is that 2015 gave everyone their fair share of ups and downs.

But that’s the rhythm of life - filled with both highs and lows, both darkness and light.

A friend once jokingly remarked, after winning a game we were playing: “I may have three-starred this game, but my life is definitely a one-star.” His words, while not necessarily reflective of how he truly felt about his life in hindsight, somehow remain etched in my mind until today.

What struck me the most is this: unlike in a game, you rarely get a second shot in real life.

And I mean, a real second chance. Because usually, when you are lucky enough to even get a do-over, the circumstances have already changed. The actual chance has passed you by. And try as you may, you can’t turn things back the way they were.

So don’t be too hard on yourself.

A week ago, I was reflecting on the past year, with a friend over dinner. I summarised my 2015 as an “OK” year — one with no major milestones to shout about.

“The fact that you got through 2015 is an accomplishment on its own,” my friend replied.

Right on!

If your life story was a book, it would be one with countless crossed-out words. Mistakes are inevitable, but regrets are optional.

Regardless of whether 2015 turned out exactly the way you wanted it to, keep in mind that 2016 is still unwritten.

So, how would you like to pen your new chapter?