2016 has been a pretty rubbish year.
If it wasn't the deaths of David Bowie, Gene Wilder, Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Leonard Cohen, the world was forced to deal with the aftermath of the Dallas police shootings, Brexit, the Istanbul airport attack and now, political upheaval in the US following the election.
It's not surprising that some people want a do-over.
However, it's important to remember, as Martin Luther King, Jr. says: 'Only in the darkness can you see the stars'.
And, to be fair, there have been a lot of bright, positive and encouraging moments in 2016.
Fortunately, Tumblr user helthehatter has compiled a list titled 'good things that happened in 2016', to lift us through these dark moments, referencing positive news stories and heartwarming stories from around the world.
From new chemotherapy breakthroughs, declining child mortality rates, record-breaking use of social power in California to the relocation of 500 elephants to safer environments, free dental care for veterans, the first women to be placed on banknotes, a respectable Jungle Book remake, locating the gene responsible for ALS thanks to the ice bucket challenge, the optimistic social media user is helping remind us that you sometimes need to experience the negative in order to cherish and value the positive.
Look, we're all hurting right now and no, 2016 doesn't seem to be getting any better but change is possible, the future is bright and if the current political situation in the US can prove anything is that love can trump hate.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
