2016: Do We Just Hit Delete?

It's been a rough year by many accounts. Racial problems, natural disasters, car and train crashes, a country in upheaval over the presidential election. But, what if we search for the good in this year?

• The first ever flower grown in space happened: An orange Zinnia:

https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/first-flower-grown-in-space-stations-veggie-facility

• Tigers, Manatees, and Pandas have been increasing in population and are going strong.

•  The decision has been made: Harriet Tubman will be the first female pictured on paper money in the US; she'll be on the $20 bill.

 

• Heart disease deaths are down by 70% in the US.
• The Bucket Challenge of 2015 raised enough money for researchers to locate the gene that causes ALS. This will be a huge help in finding a cure.

• Summer Olympics in Rio!!

• People in India broke a world record by planting more than 50 million trees in a 24 hour period in July 2016: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/07/india-plants-50-million-trees-uttar-pradesh-reforestation/  

• New babies joined our world: There are about 350,000 children born each day, every year, in the world. Each of them (like each of us) can potentially be of help to the world: Will one of them cure a fatal disease? Find a way to achieve peace in the world? Invent new technology that will revolutionize how we live?
• However you felt about the Presidential election, it was held peacefully, and the transition to the new president in January will go off as it always does. This is not true of every country in the world. The fact that people are free to express themselves about the election is also not something that's possible in every country. We can still be proud of that.
• There were birthdays, weddings, and holidays celebrated as there are every year. Friends and families gathered to grill, dance, play games, and enjoy one another's company. Don't forget these things when you think the year was a waste.
• There were loved ones reunited after years apart; family members discovered and met, old friends resolved their differences and renewed their friendships. 
• And when tragedies occurred, people rallied to help. You may have lost a loved one yourself, but most likely there were family and friends that came together to help soften the blow.
• Plenty of caring people still exist in the world: doctors, nurses, veterinarians, social workers, teachers, those taking on causes to fight for: there are heroes, if you look for them
• Those who serve in our armed forces: these are folks to be thankful for all year around. 

If you're reading this, then you have the gift of sight and the knowledge of reading. Are you reading it on your phone? Be aware there are many people who have none of those perks. I venture to guess you are warm and well-fed and have a home where you sleep, unconcerned about your safety. All of these are very good things.


So before we toss 2016 out and slam the door on it, let's keep in mind it wasn't all bad. And 2017 will be even better!