Goodbye 2016

As 2016 draws to a close this evening it seems only appropriate to reflect on the year we are leaving behind.

Many believe 2016 has been the 'worst year ever' and, sure, plenty of bad things have happened, need I mention Trump, Brexit or Syria?

Politically the UK made a (poor) decision to leave the EU while in the US Trump was elected President by the people (although which people I remain unsure). Musically the world lost pop icons David Bowie, Prince and George Micheal along with many more. There were countless terror attacks globally along with the continuation of wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

However, social media hasn't held all bad news, many people have been focusing on the good things that happened this year (yes, believe it or not there were some) and that's the best way to look at things isn't it? Sure, you can't ignore the bad, but you can embrace the positivity and it all becomes a lot easier to deal with.

So, in case you think this was the year the world fell apart here are some positives to take from 2016;
- Sri Lanka is now a malaria free country
- Giant pandas are no longer endangered
- Africa is free from Ebola
- SeaWorld stopped the breeding of captive killer whales
- the Ozone layer is repairing itself
- the 2016 Olympics featured the first ever refugee team

There have been many tragedies this year but if we had equal coverage for all the good things this year then maybe people wouldn't think 2016 was as bad as they claim. But I am not going to be brought down by the negatives of the year because, for me, it has been a good one, a very good one.

I will happily welcome the new year but I am in no rush to leave this year behind. I have had plenty of wonderful memories with people whose presence makes my day.

2016 was the year I began learning to drive. The year I got four universities offers in a week. The year I got to spend 10 months with my wonderful boyfriend. The year I became close to some extraordinary people who have helped me in ways I could never have imagined. The year I welcomed my baby cousin into the world. The year I achieved an A in one of my AS subjects. The year I signed up to being a blood donor. The year I got to see two of the most important people in my life go to university. The year one of my best friends gave birth. The year I got to spend Truck Festival weekend with my dad. The year I saw West Ham play at Upton Park for a final time.

It was the year I read some wonderful books (The Girl On The Train, The Handmaid's Tale, The Kite Runner, Revolutionary Road) and watched some brilliant films (Trainspotting, Legally Blonde, 13 Going on 30, Big Fish, Still Alice, The Help). It was the year I finally finished The Reader and finally started 1984. It was the year I once again attended the always brilliant Truck Festival and saw Neck Deep, Blossoms and Slaves in concert. It was the year I saw The BFG, The Revenant and The Girl on The Train at the cinema.

It was a year that I happily got to spend with so many wonderful people.

It was a year full of laughter and love. 2017 I'm ready for you.

--- Aimee ---