Actor Dax Shepard is remaining positive that 2020 was a “great year” for him, despite a relapse and necessary surgery.

During a recent special holiday episode of his “Armchair Expert” podcast, he explained the issues he encountered throughout the year and defined clearly which individuals were instrumental in making the last 12 months something he deems a positive experience. 

Giving special thanks to wife Kristen Bell and podcast co-host Monica Padman, Shepard seemed grateful for all life had taken him through throughout the year.

During the episode, Shepard got candid about the two women’s contributions to his well-being as a whole and pivotal changes to his 2020 experience, stating, “I can’t imagine having to admit that to other people and feeling as safe as I did that you guys wouldn’t hate me,” in a emotional admission to them both. 

“I hated me at that point and so, to be able to tell you guys and feel unconditionally loved and that I would be accepted was really special.”

Bell, a renowned actress in her own right, responded to the statements her husband made with love and affection, as well as gratitude for Padman’s help in bringing her husband back to his normal self. 

She told him and listeners, “I would like to thank all parties involved because I am so appreciative of being able to go through every flavor of emotion with Monica and also to have you, the father of my children, be so able to be honest, even at your most shameful moments—is what saves you.”

“Nobody saved you but you,” his wife went on to add, “and your courage and boldness to say, ‘I feel like I’m slipping’ or ‘I did slip and I need to be honest before it gets worse’ and I’m just grateful to all parties involved. I think we did a really good job, team.”

On the other side, Padman was equally appreciative of Shepard’s progress, saying, “I feel really grateful and honored that you felt you could trust me,” adding the sentiment that, “I feel grateful that I was allowed in to the inner circle.”

Despite his noted medical struggles and relapsed addiction battle, Shepard is firm on the mentality that 2020 was a positive year for him.

The actor previously shared that his addiction to pills took hold again roughly around the time of his father’s passing, building substantially until he addressed it.

His positivity despite lackluster circumstances shines through in statements such as, “I’m saying though even with two surgeries and a relapse and shame spiral and all this stuff, still a great year for me.”