Life

The Most Heartwarming Moments Of 2016

by Kiersten Hickman
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We all keep saying it over and over again... 2016 was basically the worst, and who in the world knows 2017 is going to look like at this rate. Looking back on the entire year it is really difficult to brainstorm all of the happy moments that occurred throughout the dark and terror-filled year. I mean, were there even any heartwarming moments in 2016? Because it sort of seems like there were literally none and this year was complete trash.

Actually, yeah, there were a ton — all little beacons of hope amidst a dark, dreary world. For example, did you forget all of the wonderful times we had during the Rio Olympics? Or, how about what could probably constitute as the craziest World Series win that baseball has probably ever seen? Oh, and who could forget getting a much-anticipated revival not only for Gilmore Girls, but also Harry Potter with the release of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child? Also, I simply can't overlook how gracefully President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are handling their transition out of the White House.

Sure it's been a whirlwind of a year, but I think it would do us all some good to look through the moments that made our hearts soar.

“Obama, Out”

It was the mic drop to end all mic drops: During the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, during his eighth and final speech as president, President Obama stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to work side-by-side with you to strengthen our democracy, and with that I just have two more words to say: Obama out.” He touched his lips, dropped the mic, and left the most impossible standard for all mic drops ever in his wake. I'm gonna miss this man.

Kristen Bell Shared Photos Of Her Wedding To Dax Shepard

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Even if the wedding was small courthouse gathering that took place in 2013, the internet couldn’t help but explode with joy when Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard finally shared photos of their big day.

Ryan Reynolds And Blake Lively With Their Kids On The Red Carpet

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It was heartwarming enough seeing Ryan Reynolds get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — but finally getting to see pictures of him, Lively, and their two children was the perfect way for 2016 to come to a close.

Fiji’s First Olympic Gold Medal At Rio 2016

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Fiji experienced the ultimate win of the Olympics: Their rugby team won the first medal for their country, and even better, it was a gold.

Victory For Standing Rock

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After months and months of protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline construction that was set to go straight through the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota, President Obama’s administration halted construction on Dec. 5, and a new route will be created for the pipeline.

Ellen DeGeneres Receives The Medal Of Freedom

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On Nov. 21, President Obama awarded 21 different influential people with the Medal of Freedom to honor their contribution to making the world a better place. One of them, specifically, was Ellen DeGeneres. As President Obama said at the ceremony, her courage and decision to come out as gay has helped to make the world a better, more accepting and loving place: “Again and again, Ellen DeGeneres has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place — so long as we just keep swimming."

This Mom Hearing Her Son's Heartbeat After A Life-Saving Organ Donation

Probably the most precious story of the entire year. This mother, whose son died at 7 months old, donated her son’s organs which included his heart. Years later this mother was able to hear her son’s working heart,which saved the life of another child in need. Talk about falling into a puddle of tears.

The Prince Tribute At The BET Awards

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Although the death of this pop legend on April 30 was a devastating blow, the music industry did a seriously great job recognizing his amazing work. In particular, the tribute performed at The BET Awards had people all over the nation sobbing.

Want to have an awesome 2017? Then check out the "You IRL" stream in the Bustle App for tips on how to have the most empowering year yet.