To say I’m bummed after this election is the understatement of the year. Judging by my Facebook and Twitter feeds, a lot of my friends are feeling the same way. I will continue to feel what I am feeling, and you should too – your feelings are valid and you have every right to feel them. The way 2016 has gone, I think it’s safe to say a lot of us could use a massive dose of hope, happiness, and inspiration. Here’s a list of things that happened in 2016 that we can all be thankful for – to show us that the world isn’t all bad, to not give up, and that things WILL get better.
1. CoverGirl’s New Cover Boy, James Charles
I am 99% confident that if you look up the word “slay” in the dictionary, James Charles will appear. CoverGirl’s new “cover boy” is only 17 years old and has only been doing makeup for about a year. We can only wish our brows looked this fierce.
2. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
This spin-off of the Harry Potter film series just released worldwide and people have a lot to say about it. I personally know nothing about Harry Potter, but Eddie Redmayne is enough to convince me to give this movie a shot. *swoon*
3. Ashley Graham Barbie Doll
After her body positivity messages, Ashley Graham received her own Barbie modeled after herself. Graham’s one request when working with Mattel to create this Barbie was that her thighs had to touch. Graham said, “The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that it’s okay for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a ‘thigh gap’ is more beautiful.” YOU GO, GIRL.
4. Nura Afia is CoverGirl’s New Face
Nura Afia, a Muslim beauty blogger, is CoverGirl’s latest ambassador for their new “So Lashy” mascara. That hijab, that skin, those brows, those lashes. We’re about it.
5. Disney’s First Polynesian Princess
People are getting pumped for Disney to release Moana, saying she’s the role model we’ve all been waiting for. With a more realistic body type, a strong and smart character, and the fact that she has no love interest in this film, we can see why.
6. Michelle Obama’s Powerful DNC Speech
Just when we thought our love for Michelle Obama couldn’t get any stronger, she delivered the most powerful speech of the 2016 campaign. Watch it here.
7. Saturday Night Live’s Election Week Cold Open
Does anyone else get a little teary-eyed just thinking about this? Just me? Okay. SNL paid homage to Leonard Cohen, who passed away that week, and to Hillary Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump, by having Kate McKinnon sing Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” It was all things beautiful, surreal, and heartbreaking all at the same time.
8. 4-year-olds Attempting the “Mannequin Challenge”
This video has over 9 million views, and counting, and I am not ashamed to say they are all from me. If you are in need of a pick-me-up, this adorable video is sure to do the trick.
9. Closer by The Chainsmokers
This song will never get old. Ever.
10. Hillary Clinton Making it as Far as She Did
Clinton became the first female nominee of a major political party, making history. If that doesn’t scream #GirlPower, I don’t know what does.
11. John Mayer’s New Single, Album, and Tour Announcement (!!!)
It has been three years since our boy John has dropped his last album. His new single, “Love on the Weekend” has graced our lives with its presence and, wowza, are we feeling #blessed. Brb stowing away on his tour bus. Who’s with me?!
12. Stranger Things
New life goal: become BFF’s with the entire cast of Stranger Things.
13. Haters Back Off
Will my Mirfanda’s in the room please stand up? If you haven’t binge watched Haters Back Off yet, WHAT THE EVEN HECK ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
14. Tyler Oakley’s New Talk Show
The Tyler Oakley Show, a weekly celebrity talk show, has been launched on Ellen DeGeneres’ digital network. Watch one of Tyler’s YouTube videos, and you will instantly feel like you’re longtime BFF’s.
15. Hamilton Cast’s Powerful Message to Mike Pence
The cast of Hamilton seized a unique opportunity to stand up for all Americans, and we are eternally grateful. Watch here to feel all the feels.
Photo credit
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