I think it's safe to say that 2016 hasn't been the greatest year. I'm not going to go into details of the series of unfortunate events that make up this past year of our lives, as I don't want to bring anyone down. Instead, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that there are good things in everything.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his Oscar!
I actually cried. Thinking about it now actually makes me a little emotional. While some argue "The Revenant" wasn't his best film, I absolutely loved it and had a gut feeling that he would win. He deserved the award many moons ago, but let's all celebrate the fact that our beloved Leo finally has an Oscar.
Even better, Leo used his speech to talk about climate change. This was his moment and he used it to talk about a cause that really needs more attention. That is so rad. Even more rad is the fact that his speech went longer than Oscar speeches are supposed to, but since everyone has been waiting for this moment for far longer than we should've waited, nobody stopped him.
2. Pokémon Go
Kids (and adults) everywhere finally got to live out their childhood dreams of being an actual Pokémon trainer. It was really awesome driving through my neighborhood this summer and seeing so many kids out and playing. Let's also keep in mind that on nights when I had no money and nothing to do, Pokémon Go offered me a cheap way to hang out with my pals.
3. The art of the year
Movies: There were so many amazing movies produced this year! Among them are "Zootopia," "Finding Dory," "Moana," an all-female lead "Ghostbusters," "Deadpool," "Captain America: Civil War," and so many more. Chances are, at least one movie came out this year that you absolutely loved.
TV Shows: "Stranger Things" and "Westworld" are two of the new shows released this year, and they certainly gained a large fanbase in a short amount of time.
Music: I'm not the most current on music, so I might not be one to speak here, but I personally found some (not-so-new) tunes to listen to this year. Among some of the more popular albums released this year are Beyonce's "Lemonade" and Bruno Mars's "24k Magic." From what I've listened to in addition to these albums, it's been a decent year for music.
4. The outcome of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests
Millions of people came together, whether in person or on social media, to protest the oil pipeline that would run through Native American burial grounds and potentially ruin the water supply of those living on the reservation. On December 4, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that they would look into alternative routes for the pipeline, thus granting the respect and safety of all the Native Americans who otherwise would have been affected. It was amazing to see so many people supporting a cause on the behalf of others. It gives me hope that the people of our country will continue to come together in the future and stand in solidarity with one another.
5. The positives of the election
It's no secret that the outcome of this election left over half of Americans not only disappointed, but also fearful. This year's outcome differs greatly than elections of the past, as there is more at stake for so many people. But it's also important to recognize that it's not all bad. For example:
Kate Brown is the first openly LGBT person to be elected governor of a state. She was elected in Oregon. Go Kate!
Adriano Espaillat, elected to New York's House of Representatives, is the first formerly undocumented immigrant to be elected to congress.
Catherine Cortez Masto is the first Latina senator of our country. She is Nevada's first female senator as well.
It doesn't stop here. In addition to results, so many people have grown to be so passionate about politics and are determined to see positive change. This year's election has, no doubt, brought on some scary results, but there is hope.
6. The Cubs won The World Series for the first time in over a century!
It doesn't matter if you like the Cubs, or sports for that matter. This is a classic underdog story. It's just like Leo and his Oscar. What was seemingly impossible compared to history actually happened. Way to go, boys!
Also, "Parks and Rec" predicted this. How wonderful is that?
7. My nephew was born and my sister got a dog!
This might not really be celebrated by the whole world, as most people's lives are unchanged by this. But it serves as a reminder that each and every person reading this must have had at least one good thing happen to them or someone they love this past year. It may not be able to change all of the bad parts of the year, but it at least reminds you that not everything has to be bad.
