Let's recap what happened in 2016.

To start, the revolutionary app "Pokemon Go" was released, the 2016 Olympics took place, Drake, Kanye West, Beyonce and Rihanna all released groundbreaking albums, Tasty videos became an addiction, there were new dance crazes, Donald Trump is the next president of the United States, and the Cubs won the 2016 World Series. Celebrating these accomplishes and relishing in the moment made 2016 a great year.

Yes, 2016 was good to us, but it also had it's fair share of hard times. Many icons such as David Bowie, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Prince and Gene Wilder passed away. The war on police rages, mass shootings continue, and hate crimes have surged. Diseases and natural disasters has caused devastation to societies. The tragic Syrian crisis instills worry in families and societies the longer in goes on. Add these moments up and it seems to have tipped the scale equating to what some call "2016 being the worst year ever."...Well, that's not very optimistic.

I'm not saying 2016 was the best year ever, but I'm not saying it was the worst. Yes, a lot of major events occurred resulting in some negative connotations, but we can't let that hold us back going into the new year of 2017.

You know what made great moments in 2016 so great? Love. Whether it was evolving Pokemon, trying out new recipes and dance moves, or cheering for your favorite athlete, there was a love connection between you and someone or something. Love is why you hugged the closest stranger and chanted "Go Cubs Go" when you saw them win it all. Love is what pulled at your childhood heart strings when you heard that Princess Leia had passed. Love is why you won't let your boyfriend change the song after to listening to "Formation" for the 6th time in a row. Love is what hangs on to those memories when details are forgotten. Love is what made 2016 hold some of the best memories you have.

So, when the countdown ends and 2017 takes 2016's place, remember what makes a good year a good year. Love cannot be killed or swept aside. It will be carried with us in more ways than we know what to do with. It will make what makes a "good year, a good year."