Happiness is something we all strive for; everyone wishes to find joy and avoid pain. While many of us understand that happiness is a choice and comes from within, putting this into practice can be challenging. An Ananda teacher highlighted this during a talk in India, sharing that his greatest power is the ability to choose happiness, which resonated deeply with his audience. The pursuit of happiness often eludes us, especially when we cling to it for ourselves, but it seems to flourish when we focus on bringing joy to others. A recent study from Cornell University illustrated this idea, showing that when students received funds to help themselves and others, their sense of purpose and happiness significantly improved—most used the money to benefit others. This reinforces the teaching that true happiness grows from giving and expanding our sympathies. As we reflect on this, let’s embrace the idea that we can choose happiness at any moment, especially by awakening that joy in those we encounter.