I am striving to see the positive in every aspect of my life. It's not always easy.

Mass shootings, poverty, government corruption and the effects of ISIS are all the most prominent news of today. While it's easy to notice the negative, and biased media that is thrown at us daily, it's important to keep hopes alive. We are still growing, and wonderful positive things are happening all around us. The most beautiful thing about life is there always seems to be a balance.

It is important that we remember to put a huge spotlight on those working to abolish the negative and detrimental aspects of life, the ones who are pushing for a more unified and loving world. That's why I thought to bring a quick list of the amazing and compassionate things which occurred in 2016 that did not make big news headlines. Hopefully, this will encourage you to not only start looking for more of the positive news that is happening but to also do more media research in general. You never know what spark of compassion will ignite your purpose and desire for the world.

1. ISIS is not winning, Kurdish Lady's promise to only wear red the rest of her life is a huge confirmation.

Article Via Daily Mail

As ISIS retreats in Syrian cities and towns, there has been a steady advance of bright colors on the streets and people.

Liberation of the terrorists is being celebrated by the exhilarated women of these towns and cities. After living under the ISIS rule of women required to wear only black baggy clothes that covered their whole bodies, or face punishment, they have begun to enrobe in brilliant hues, as a symbolic celebration of their freedom. One woman has even made the promise, with great excitement, that she will "only wear red" for the rest of her life.

Smiling faces, bright colors, and clapping hands; the Kurdish men and women express genuine happiness and relief. Although the video is not in English Khadija’s excitement speaks volumes in the universal language.

All are wearing colors that ISIS fighters could probably see while they flee their towns.

2. Free Food for People in NYC from Crops Grown on Barge

Article Via - Good News Network

When folks can't get to a neighborhood garden, Swale has figured out a way to bring it to them. According to USDA Forest services, "June 1, 2016, Swale will officially become part of the New York City Urban Field Station."

A partial art installation project called Swale, a collaborative floating food project, is dedicated to rethinking and challenging New York City's connection to our environment. The Cities food deserts will now be nourished by this innovative and wonderful project that is to float throughout New York's waterways to provide an accessible garden vegetable anywhere and everywhere people can harvest food."

To find out exactly what they grow, how and why they do it, or to donate, go to Swale's official website.

3. Mayor Cuts His Own Pay by 50 Percent to Balance Cities Budget

Article Via - WKBN Ohio

Mayor Tom Scarnecchia of Niles, Ohio, hosted a meeting to outline a plan to alleviate a projected $130,000-year end deficit. The city of Niles is currently in a fiscal emergency and the state requires that the budget be balanced.

Mayor Scarnecchia confirmed that he would be taking a 50 percent cut in his own salary to help balance the city's budget. With that kind of cut, he will be losing $34,000 a year and the city will be gaining it in return.

Additionally, it has been purposed that city council may combine certain jobs like Service and Safety Director, saving another $17,000.

“The workload will increase but like I said, there’s other places that do it and they seem to be operating just fine,” Councilman Steve Mientkiewicz said.

The heart that this mayor has for his city is undoubtedly shown through personal sacrifice, an act that has shown how much it can mean to give. He has even influenced city council to want to take a salary cut in an effort to help their city.

4. Man Fed Up With Facebook Comments of Low Income Children from San Antonio

Article Via News Talk 1480 WHBC

After reading several Facebook comments that mocked a photo showing children using the back of a pick-up truck as a swimming pool, Todd Arredondo was fed up.

Todd surprised the family and bought a new inflatable pool with his own money to help keep cool in Texas's heat.

After seeing the reactions of the family, he started a campaign called “Pools for Kids,” which donated to other families on the West Side of town. Through GoFundMe he has raised nearly $8,000. Todd has even dedicated three weeks of his vacation time to further the project.

Now families throughout Texas are getting to have fun in the sun no matter where they're located.

“We started out wanting to help five families,” he wrote in an update to his campaign. “We are at the point of helping 24 families now. I will continue all summer to raise money to buy as many pools that we possibly can for kids.”

5.Prospects look bright in East Africa due to Solar Panels

Article Via NewsWeek

According to the International Energy Agency, over two-thirds of sub-Saharan African population lack electricity and rely on kerosene-powered generators. Unfortunately, they are not only unhealthy, but unstable and environmentally destructive.

What makes Auma's house so special is the fact that it is powered by an alternative source of energy, solar panels.

Until recently, solar power has been elusive for most here because of its high costs and unpredictability. Recent advancements have led to solar cells that are less expensive, sturdier and able to produce more wattage from the sunlight they absorb.

Thanks to M-Kopa Solar, a Canadian company, Auma pays for her system through a lease-to-own program. In a place of the world where $15 feeds a family for a month, where every penny counts. M-Kopa is doing great things for not only the people but the world. Their solar power is rapidly spreading, connecting 50,000 homes in Uganda and 40,000 in Tanzania.

6. 10 year old with a heart of 100

Article Via Good News Network

Garrett Lowry is a 10-year-old boy Denver resident who loves sports and baseball. What sets him apart from most boys let a lone general population, is what he does on his own spare time.

He uses a loom to knit caps for kids in the children’s hospital.

“I want children to feel better about themselves,” the articulate young man told KUSA-TV. “And, feel that they are appreciated and they are loved.”

He is a compassionate individual who shows there are many ways to give no matter your age.