Let’s face it - 2016 has been a year for the record books. It’s been full of negativity every single place you’ve turned. From the deaths of some incredible people, to the heated election that seemed to turn so many people against each other, to horrible acts of violence all over our country; this year coming to an end is something that most of us are looking forward to. However, looking back through all the negativity this year has me not worrying about the future, but appreciating some of the things that this negativity has taught me. I will never look back on 2016 and say it was the best year of my life, but I will definitely be able to say that the events that took place were beneficial to my growth as a person.

If you can't seem to find anything good about 2016, maybe this will help!

5. Violence solves nothing.

This could be taken in any context you’d like. For instance, it could be as simple as walking away from a fight - or can be discussed on a broader spectrum such as gang violence and the like. This year has taught us that there are angry people in the world. There are people that are going to hate you if you’re different than them. There are going to be people that will go out of their way to hurt you, just because they know how to do it. Striking out at another person will do nothing but continue the conflict rather than resolve it. Think about what’s going on, and even if you have to act quickly, act rationally. Violence spurs more violence. Don’t be the person that only continues the cycle. Be the person that helps stop it.

4. Overreacting only make things worse.

This is one of my fatal flaws. I overreact at even the smallest of upsets. If I have a cold, I instantly believe I’m dying of some unknown disease that even WebMD hasn’t figured out yet. That’s only partially true, but I do tend to overreact quite often. One of the hardest things in life is to realize that the little things don’t always matter. If you get a papercut, your entire day isn’t bad. If someone says something mean to you, your whole existence isn’t suddenly meaningless. If 2016 has taught me anything, it’s that bad things are going to happen often. You just have to realize that there are more important things than that spilled coffee or that stood up date, and keep moving forward.

3. Seek the positives in every situation.

This is a little bit difficult for most people. When it feels like the world is falling apart, seeking the positive in the situation seems impossible. I’m not going into politics, but I know many people who felt like the world was falling apart when our new president-elect received that title. When massacres of certain groups of people were happening, it felt like there was nothing anyone could do to make any change. What happened? People came together for these causes. There were protests, support groups, fundraisers, etc. all happening. Recently, when many people from my state of Tennessee watched our beloved city of Gatlinburg go up in flames, people came together and donated their time, money, and efforts towards the people needing help. Tragedy is incredibly painful, but you will always benefit to look for the light in even the darkest of situations.

2. Be open to discussion.

One trend I’m sure most of you have seen in the world this year has been this strange love of arguing. I mentioned it before in regards to violence, but verbal communication seems more cut off, closed, and biased than ever before. Too many people aren’t opening their minds to listen to another person’s side before attacking it. I will openly admit I’m just as guilty of it as anyone else, but 2016 has taught me that just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean that you can’t listen to them. In fact, if you just sit and listen, sometimes you’ll get great insight into why people think and believe the way they do. Disclaimer: knowing why someone believes something may still leave you scratching your head because their reasoning sounds absolutely ridiculous, but at least you’ve listened and tried to see things from their side. At the very least, you can discuss something civilly and not always resort to anger when a disagreement is reached.

1. Life is too short.

The most important thing that 2016 has taught me, however, is that life is short. This world has been around for billions of years, and our lifespans are about as miniscule as a grain of sand in comparison. Death will come to those expecting it and to those who aren’t. Spend your time on this earth embracing the positive, sharing the love, and doing your part in making the world a better place. Encourage others by your own actions if you want to see a change.

2016 has definitely been a year full of negativity. It may not seem like any good has come out of it, but that’s where you have to step in and make the positivity yourself. Don’t let the downfalls of this year keep you from making 2017 even better. Take what you’ve learned from it, and be an even better person. You’re stronger than the challenges you faced in 2016. You made it this far. Keep going.