Between national politics, world events, and budget cuts close to home, last year left many with mixed feelings. Here’s a look at the brighter side of 2017:

• The Women’s March on Washington.

Thousands of people came together all over the country in one of the largest single-day protests in recorded history to march for gender equality.

• 193 countries agreed to a UN resolution to stop plastic waste from entering the ocean.

Although the resolution has no timetable and is legally non-binding, it is a definite step in the right direction. There is hope for more action in the future.

• California legally recognized a third gender.

In October, a bill was passed in California to allow residents of the state who do not identify as male or female to select a third option on birth certificates and driver’s licenses.

• Snow leopards were taken off the endangered list.

Snow leopards were put on the endangered list in 1972, and, although they are still classified as vulnerable, their numbers have improved enough to have them taken off the endangered list.

• People on a Florida beach formed a human chain to save a family.

In July, after a family was caught in a riptide, strangers on a Florida beach formed a human chain stretching about 100 yards to rescue the family.

• Peggy Whitson set the U.S. record for the most time in space.

Peggy Whitson returned to Earth in September and now holds the U.S. record for most days in space with 665 days.

So there you have it: six heartwarming events from 2017 to send you into 2018 with a little dose of positivity and hope for continued progress.