This year, like others, has been filled with many terrible things.
From the deaths of major icons in the beginning to the ridiculous election season, Americans are sick and tired of this year and can’t wait for it to be over. We tend to remember only the negative things that happened and not any of the good things. However, a recent post by the Tumblr user helthehatter has reminded us as a society of the good things that happened this year.
Here are my top 10 from their list:
1.Leo DiCaprio Finally Won an Oscar!!!
The moment that millions of DiCaprio fans had been waiting for finally happened on February 28, 2016. After being nominated 5 times without a win, Leo won the Oscar for Best Actor for his incredible performance in The Revenant.
2.Harry Potter Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon
When Harry Potter ended - books and movies alike - it seemed as though life had a little less purpose. It's a good thing J.K. Rowling saw fit to bless our lives with A PLAY/BOOK AND 5 MORE MOVIES!!! As unbelievable as it seems, we are going to have more to this beloved story, and it's going to be absolutely INCREDIBLE.
3.Harriet Tubman is Replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 Bill
Regardless of your political or social stances, you've got to admit that Harriet Tubman replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 is one of the coolest things ever. The decision that was made in late April also included adding various women to the backs of the $5 and $10 notes. While these changes won't be implemented for a couple years, the fact that this is even a reality should bring joy to Americans.
4.A Father Gave Candy to Passengers on a Halloween Flight so His Daughter Could Trick-or-Treat
Okay, this was the cutest thing. Trick-or-treating was so much fun as a kid and, as I understand now, you only get so many Halloweens to participate. So when this father gives his daughter the chance to trick-or-treat on an airplane, your faith is restored in humanity.
5.A Four-Year Old Girl Befriends a Lonely Elderly Widower
This may or may not be cuter than the airplane trick-or-treating. A four-year old girl saw an elderly widower at the grocery store and decided that she was going to be his friend. Now, both the man and the girl are best friends and hang out together all the time. How cute is that???
6.The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Helped Find the Gene Responsible and Doctors Are Close to an Effective Treatment
It's crazy to think that the ice bucket challenge happened this year. In my mind, it goes with passing trends like the Harlem Shake. But, unlike anything before it, this challenge served a purpose. The widespread popularity of drenching other people in icy-cold water actually helped specialists find the gene responsible for ALS and now they're several steps closer to finding a cure for this disease. Who knew that ice water, large containers, celebrities, and many fail videos could make such a difference?
7. Pokémon Go Users Placed Many Lures Near Hospitals for Sick Kids
Pokémon Go revolutionized the way our society worked. Businesses who invested in Pokéstops flourished, people made stupid decisions while playing and driving/hiking, and children everywhere - even the big ones - brought back the beloved game. However, some kids were unable to get out and go catch Pokémon due to hospitalization. The whole point of the game was to get outside and go find Pikachu or Charmander. But kids can't do that when they're in the hospital and can't get out because they're too sick. And when something is unfair, someone steps up and helps. People started using their precious lures near hospitals to ensure that kids were able to play. Sometimes, it takes something small to make someone's day.
8. People Beat Cancer
Cancer is such a difficult battle to win, and it is devastating when that battle is lost. But, sometimes, people win. They overcome. They survive. They bring hope to others. And that happened this year to many people. The small-scale victories are just as important as the big ones.
9. People Had Birthdays
With all the death that is constantly happening, sometimes we forget how many people are celebrating another year of life every day! To those of you reading this on your birthday, Happy Birthday!!
10. People Spent the Year With Loved Ones
No matter what's going on in the world, spending time with family always seems to make things a little more bearable. Whether it's family by blood or family by choice, your family won't leave you behind or forgotten. So, in light of recent events, go hug a family member.
2016 has seen some really bad things and some really good things. Don't let the bad overshadow the good. There is still so much potential for good. And hey, we haven't even hit Thanksgiving or Christmas yet.
