Looking on the bright side of 2016 - what I'm grateful for

It´s time to give a quick look on 2016, and we can put some facts in a nutshell:

The world is a complete mess (terrorist attacks, Syria's war and the refugee's problem, Trump won the elections, India's and Venezuela money restrictions, corruption all over the place, a lot of important artists died, unemployment, and so on...)

I can understand why there are so many of us saying 2016 was a fucked up year to the world...

But I can't totally agree on that, I always like to do an effort and see the positive things...the bright side of life!!

I think when we make an effort there is always something to be grateful for. These last days I've been thinking on and conclude that I'm GRATEFUL FOR:

- I've completed my Master degree in Conservation Biology
As some of you may have noticed on my Introduce myself post, I've been studying invasive plants. I did some field work to demonstrate that was possible to associate vegetation ecology knowledge with invasion ecology. I present my work on the last 28th december to a jury and everybody said I was fine! They loved my work, and I got a 19 on a 1-20 scale! Proud, all my effort was compensated!! It was one of my happiest days in 2016, my mother came to see me, and some friends too. After the presentation, we went to celebrate with some pastries (pastel de nata), bowling game (I loose but it was ok) and an amazing dinner!!

-I was invited by my supervisors to help writing a book
Actually is only a part of a chapter to be included in that book that compiles information about the history and present situation of invasive species in Portugal and management tips! Anyway, it is so awesome!!

-I spent some time leading with frustration and anxiety
Basically, I'm a perfectionist and an optimistic, so I spent this year lacking time because I had a lot of deadlines to accomplish...it was hard!

-Portugal soccer team won (for the first time) UEFA Euro cup!!
Portuguese (like Brazilians) love football, I guess this photo shows the Portuguese feeling!

source

-I have love in my life even if I don't have 365 happy days/year
Guess it's a matter of balance, some days can go bad, others can go just perfect. No need for worry, it's life!

-I was introduced to Steemit!!
I know it may be biased, but I think this social network is a very powerful one!! I never gave much attention to cryptocurrency before entering​ on Steemit, and now I'm​ trying to learn what I can and having fun at the same time. I'm a huge procrastinator as well, but when I'm on Steemit (curating or writing...I feel I'm doing something good, not wasting my time). I'm spreading the word and wishing this community can grow properly!! STEEM ON!!

I recognize I still can live in peace in my country, I've food in the table, I've family relatively close, I've some friends, love. I'm a lucky bastard, and I'm grateful for that!!