The last words of 2016 that I've heard from everyone I know are: "I can't wait until 2016 is over, it was awful." Was it really that awful? Honestly, I didn't ever see it that way. There are so many aspects of 2016 to be grateful for. A problem with our generation is that we take way too much time complaining about things. We literally feel the NEED to complain about everything - the year, our family, our friends, our whole entire life almost. If we spent as much time being thankful for things as we do complaining about them, we as a generation would be much happier with our surroundings.

I think that as we leave 2016 behind, we should go out with a bang which includes finding some gratitude. So since no one in our generation seems to be able to find ANYTHING that they are grateful for in 2016, I will do it for you:

1. Family

WOW, that should actually be the top priority on your list. Now if someone doesn't have a very good relationship with his or her biological family, he or she can definitely be grateful for the friends that have become his or her family. Whatever the circumstances may entail, family is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. Why you ask?

(1) They raised you to become the person you are today.

(2) They love you unconditionally no matter the circumstances.

(3) They will always be there.

2. Friends

Obviously one should be grateful for his or her friends. I mean, remind yourself how many NEW friends you have met and become close with. It's amazing how a whole year can bring in and take out so many of the people close to you, whether that be good or bad. But the friends you are surrounding yourself with, are there for a reason, and you should be grateful for such amazing human beings. If you are not grateful, you may lose them for how unappreciative you are.

3. Pets

DUH? Who isn't grateful for their pets? I know that I personally am so grateful for my two kitties and my dog. Pets will love you unconditionally no matter what you do. They are the truest of friends. So don't under-appreciate your animals, and show them some love! God knows they love you more than anyone or anything else.

4. The Music of 2016

You have to agree, 2016 had some really amazing music released. Albums such as Lemonade by Beyonce, Starboy by The Weeknd, and Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande were a couple of the best albums of the year. Individual singles like Sorry by Justin Bieber, One Dance by Drake, and Work from Home by Fifth Harmony were all amazing hits! The music was phenomenal, and you can't disagree with that.

5. The Entertainment of Movies

So many amazing movies were released this year, especially towards the end! One of my personal favorite movies of 2016 was Moana, the new Disney movie. The music, characters, and animation were all so phenomenal. Other movies such as Deadpool, Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory, and Suicide Squad are just a few of the years most amazing movies released.

6. New Technologies

Why not be grateful for new techs that make our life a little bit easier? All kinds of new Android phones were released this year, as well as the new iPhone 7. Also, virtual reality goggles are now in stores to be sold! I mean, who knew we would come this far with technology throughout the year?

7. New Beginnings or Endings

Now, this can apply to anyone. For me, I just started college in the fall, and I can't help but be grateful for that. Anyone can be grateful for something they have started in 2016, whether that be a new job, a new adventure, or even a new relationship. The same goes for endings, even if it ended in a way that you didn't expect. You can still find a place in your heart to be grateful for what you have learned.

8. Spiritual Awakenings

If you are like me, and started to become a more spiritual person in 2016, it's not difficult to be grateful for what you have learned. Even if you have become more religious, or even less religious, you have awakened from your slumber and found what works for you. Now, you can use the information you have learned however you please. Nevertheless, be grateful for that non-human connection you have developed with the higher power.

9. Lessons

Every year, each person goes through a series of lessons that help develop he or she as a person to become better. Lessons can be minuscule or very traumatizing. Either way, it is the higher power's way of molding you into a better soul. Be grateful that you have gone through these trials, they have ultimately guided you to becoming the person you want to be in the end.

10. Sense of Self-Worth/Self-Love

Not everyone has a sense of self-worth or self-love just yet, and one year might not bring it to you. However, a new year can help bring someone closer to understand their worth. A new year might even bring the problem to the surface, so that you can ultimately find love for yourself in every way. If you have become a different person, as most of us have, you should be grateful because the year of 2016 gave you time to become this version of yourself.

Ending on that note, I hope that you can find 10 amazing things to be grateful for before the year ends. Happy New Year everyone!