2016 has been a year full of contention. Whether you look at the controversial election that has essentially divided this country or the issues of law and order that have been prevalent, I think one thing that Americans can agree on is that their are major issues facing our country today. But with that being kept in mind, we are also entering a time in the year where people are meant to come together for the greater good, a time for generosity and to show the good in people--the holiday season. Thanksgiving is this week and while there is certainly a lot to be frustrated with in this country, there is also a lot to be thankful for in our lives and that's very important to remember. Here are just a few things:

1. Our Health

I'm sure a lot of you reading have varying levels of healthiness, whether it's a case of the sniffles or something more serious. But regardless, anyone that is reading this right now woke up this morning and that in itself is something to be thankful for.

2. The Internet

Assuming you are reading this on a phone or computer, you most likely have access to the internet. Though with the invention of social media and the fact that there is a lot of inaccurate information on there, the internet has started to get a bad rap, but if you think about it it's a truly amazing thing to have access to basically all information at the click of a button.

3. Family

While you might not get along with your family all year, the holidays are the time to come together to enjoy their company. Though dinner conversations might lead to some interesting topics, just make sure to keep in mind that you can't get rid of your family so the best thing you can do is just appreciate them.

4. Friends

Thanksgiving is typically about getting together with family. However, the popular "friendsgiving" tradition of getting a big group of people together to share food and company is a great way to see all your friends this holiday season. And getting together with all of them will definitely make you feel thankful you have all of them.

5. Netflix

Gone are the days of having to work your schedule around watching shows and hello to convenience, and that's something we can all be thankful for.

6. America

Though this election displayed a lot of problems facing our country these days, we should all be thankful to live in a place where we have democracy, freedom, and a much better quality of life than those living in certain other areas of the world.

There are countless other things to be grateful for in this world and in each of our individual lives all year long. But what's important is that every one gives thanks for that they have this year