I think it's safe to say that 2016 was a pretty crappy year. A lot of us are looking forward to 2017 beginning and getting rid of the memories from this year. But even with all of the crazy things that have happened, let us not forget the good things:

1. Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar.

2. The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre built angel wings to block the Westboro Baptist Church protesters at the funeral processions for the Pulse victims.

3. Volunteers in India planted 50 million trees in less than 24 hours.

4. The wild tiger population increased for the first time in over 100 years.

5. The cure for HIV is closer than ever.

6. The ALS "Ice-Bucket Challenge" from 2015 gave enough attention that this year, they found a breakthrough in their research.

7. California is powering over 6-million homes with solar power.

8. Speaking of solar power, Portugal ran its entire country on renewable energy for four days straight.

9. 500 elephants were relocated to a bigger and safer home.

10. Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill.

11. Starbucks figured out how to donate perishable food in a safe way.

12. Child mortality is down everywhere.

13. Dentists are providing free care to veterans.

14. Volunteers made specialized Halloween costumes for babies in the NICU.

15. The U.S. Army started offering 12 weeks paid maternity leave.

16. Sexual assault survivors got a bill of rights.

17. Three states got rid of the "tampon tax."

18. Two brothers saw color for the first time thanks to a special pair of glasses.

19. Giant pandas are no longer endangered.

20. And lastly, Zootopia came out and that movie was the bomb dot com.

So as we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017, let's go into it with hope and positivity. There will be bad things that happen within the next year, as there is with every year, but always remember to look out for the good things as well.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year, everyone.