2016 was kind of the worst.

It would appear that the world is (yet again) divided. Was 2016 the best or the worst year? I've seen post after post of celebrity death tributes claiming that this one. This one is really what made 2016 the worst year ever. Or, I see posts saying that the election is what made this year really suck. I've also seen tweets and Facebook updates exclaiming: "Stop the negativity! Re-post if you think 2016 was your best year yet!"

Well here I am, putting forward my own claim: 2016 really was hard. No, not because I'm unsatisfied with the election results, and no, not because of all the celebrity deaths. (Although I still get kind of sad when I think of Alan Rickman...) I don't say that to be dramatic, or pessimistic, or because I thrive on attention. I say it because 2016 has really been tough! 

I don't feel the need to go into detail about everything that has gone "wrong" for us this year. Most people know, either because I've over-vented to random acquaintances on several occasions (sorry...) or because I've recently adopted a coping mechanism that revolves mostly around making jokes of all my issues. They say that our trials are specifically catered for each of us, to learn the lessons we need to learn. And I think this year we've both really felt (and hated) that. 

The point I'm getting to is that I know that in reality tomorrow is no different than today. I won't wake up and magically have a brand new attitude that will somehow make the next 365 days better than the last. And I realize that there's no real way to "leave 2016 in the past." Because 2016 hasn't just been days on a calendar. It's been ups and downs, highs and lows. It's been trials that we're still living through, and lessons that are a part of me now. 

But, as we traditionally say goodbye to 2016, I look back with humbled eyes. Even through the most difficult times this year, it's easy to look back and see where we were blessed, whether it was by friends or family, finances, or just comfort in each other. We've never gone hungry or spent a night without a roof over our heads. When I think of the things we have that other people pray for, I'm filled with gratitude. 

I refuse to make any blanket statements about my hopes for 2017, because that's done nothing for us in the past. But I will say that I'm so grateful for everyone who has made an impact on our year. Happy New Year!