16 Reasons Why I'm Thankful

As many of you would agree, 2016 has been horrible. That may sound dramatic, but it really has been one of the worst years many of us have lived through. Police brutality skyrocketed, there were numerous shootings and bombings within our country and across the world, and we had the two worst options to be the next President of the United States. Kanye West is having the worst celebrity breakdown since 2007 Brittany. Harambe is dead (RIP) and people are dabbing everywhere. Florida experienced two hurricanes for the first time in 11 years, and Samsung phones are literally exploding on airplanes. What is wrong with the world? Is this what we get for the world not ending in 2012?

Despite all the crazy shit that's happened this past year, we can't forget to sit down today and really remember why we are thankful. I know we should be thankful everyday of the year, but that becomes difficult when people are idolizing a dead gorilla and finding out that not only did Blac Chyna produce an offspring, but she named her Dream. 2016 has been bat-shit crazy, but here are 16 reasons we should all be thankful:

1. We get to spend today with family who loves us
Most of us are spending today with all of of our family, even if we all don't live together throughout the year. That alone is something amazing to be happy about. And if you aren't spending today with family, call up your best friend and see if they have room for one more. There's always extra food on Thanksgiving and I'm sure they'd love to have you.

2. The best friends who manage to talk to you everyday, no matter what
You ever wonder how you'd survive without those few people you consider your best friends? Same. You wouldn't be who you are today without that group-chat always buzzing on your phone (even if we do put it on Do Not Disturb sometimes). The people who answer the phone, no matter what time it is (most of the time) and let you in their door when it's 2 a.m. and you're lost in their neighborhood. The reason you don't have one wardrobe, but three or four. If the thought of that isn't something that brightens up your year, then I don't know what will.

3. The friends you don't talk to everyday, but are still there for you
We all have them. The people we can talk to for hours on end when you hang out, even if it has been months since the last time you saw them. They make you feel like you just hung out last night and really are there for you to talk to or hang out with if you ever need them. You guys rock!

4. Education
We are so lucky to be receiving a college education in what we want to do. We might take this for granted, but it really is a major thing we need to appreciate.

5. Mexican Food
I eat tacos at least once a week and I'm proud. Mexican is probably my favorite cuisine. You just can't ever go wrong with it. If all else is wrong with the world, at least we have Chipotle, Tijuana Flats, and so many other delicious restaurants to drown our sorrows in. Queso anyone?

6. Forever 21
My closet wouldn't be what it is today without Forever 21. They even have really cute men's clothing, hello! My Thanksgiving outfit the past two years wouldn't have existed without Forever 21. So simply just for that, we need to give thanks.

7. Netflix
Whether you're having marathons alone in your room or "chilling" with bae, this platform has brought so many good shows to my life and for that I'm thankful.

8. Snapchat
How else would we know what we did last night? May the dog filter live on forever.

9. Our significant other
Not gonna say much here, but if you have someone who truly loves you, cares about you, and appreciates you, don't let them go and be forever grateful.

10. Our health
I can firsthand tell you that health is something to never take for granted. Never forget to be thankful, today and everyday, if you are strong and healthy

11. Uber
No one understands my love for Uber. Even if I have marked my territory in a few Honda Civics at 4 a.m. after one too many vodka crans, Uber is a life-saver and I'll always appreciate it. Sidenote: use my code nicoleg761 for a free first ride!!!!

12. Dogs
In a world of so many bad things, pups always seem to be happy and ready to do the next activity. We don't deserve such beautiful creatures in our lives, but we somehow managed to be able to have these face-licking, furry friends by our side.

13.  Happy hour
Need I say more? #DrinksAndApps

14. Closer by The Chainsmokers
Because although so many shitty things arose from 2016, this song is one of the best.

15. The fact that women are better than men
As if we even needed another reason, 2016 provided us with a stopped male birth control trial because they were experiencing acne, mood swings, and depression. LOL. Just another reason confirming that we women are indeed better than men.

16. That I live in the United States
Because although over 11,000 of our citizens might have voted for a dead gorilla for President, I'll never have enough thanks that the Pilgrims and Indians put their differences aside and came together for a what would soon become and All-American dinner. If they could do it, why can't we?

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving and takes the time to really appreciate all the blessings in their lives. Give thanks for what you have, materialistic or not, and give back to those who aren't as fortunate. With such a weird year behind us, taking a day to realize that we truly are blessed is so important.

Much love to all,

NG

P.S. PokemonGo... seriously 2016??!!

P.S.S. If you don't understand why 2016 has sucked, you probably don't have a phone, live in a tent, or are way to optimistic to be human. How are you even reading this post? Check out this Buzzfeed article for hilarious points that sum up 2016.