I’m generally quite an optimistic person, yet seeing the bright side in some of the terrible things happening in the world is not possible, and it upsets me. If you’re as sensitive a soul as I am, I have some good news for you — there are some events that should restore your faith in humanity and put back a smile on your face! I’ve collected a series of powerful pictures from all over the world that show us that there are some beautiful humans out there, and that love is still all around.
1. Love wins
Starting with the most recent: an image that captures the genuine happiness amongst the crowd celebrating outside the Supreme Court in Washington DC on June 26, 2015, after its decision on gay marriage. Mladen Antonov – AFP/Getty Images
2. Timeless love
These images make my heart melt every time I look at them! True love really does have its happily ever after!
3. The animal lovers
A brave fire-fighter giving water to a koala during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, Victoria, Australia. Mark Pardew – Reuters. And a man hugging his dog after finding her inside his destroyed home in East Limestone, Arkansas. Gary Cosby Jr / AP
4. Batkid
A five-year-old leukemia survivor who took San Francisco by storm as ‘Batkid’. This story really shows how kind, imaginative and beautiful people can be. AFP Photo / Ramin Talaie
5. More superheroes!
A dad shopping with his kid, both dressed in superhero costumes — I just love seeing parents playing along with their children’s imagination!
6. This embrace…
A mother, Terri Gurrola, finally reunited with her daughter after serving in Iraq for seven months. projects.ajc.com
7. A son’s joy
A kid’s genuine smile as he hugs his dad during a Welcome Home Ceremony in Fort Carson, Colorado. Marc Piscotty / AP
8. A child’s compassion
A five-year-old girl holding the hand of a fellow Hurricane Katrina victim as they are evacuated from the convention centre in New Orleans. Eric Gay / AP
9. “Have my heart”
A Romanian child handing a heart-shaped balloon to police during a protest against austerity measures in Bucharest — and the police officer accepting and holding it.
10. #SayNoToRacism
Back in 1970, during the World Cup marred by racism, Pelé and British captain Bobby Moore traded jerseys as a sign of mutual respect. A beautiful moment that still resonates today.
Is there any image I missed? Share it in a comment below — let’s spread the positivity!