A romance that united sports and music fans, a celestial wonder that drew millions of eyes skyward and a spiritual homecoming for some Native American tribes were just some of the moments that inspired us and brought joy in 2023. In a year of multiple wars, deadly mass shootings, earthquakes, wildfires, sexual harassment stories and other tragedies, these events were among those that broke through the tumult of 2023 and made people feel hopeful. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's new romance, the awe-inspiring “ring of fire” eclipse and a woman's goal to erase medical debt for others are a few of the uplifting stories of the year.