Book excerpt: Happiness doesn't just happen: it's a choice we make every day. Happiness is more than an emotion or an involuntary reaction to life events. It's a state of mind, a choice to focus on the things that bring us joy instead of those that bring pain, to reach out to others rather than turning inward. Regardless of what's going on around us or how hard things may seem, our inner life doesn't have to depend upon our outer circumstances: we can find happiness if we choose to. Rachel Cole's collection of essays cover life's big and little moments, from dusty pipes and children's games to being hurt by a dear friend or even grieving for the loss of loved ones. In each moment, she offers insights for how we can store up joy in the happy times and find light in the dark times. Above all, she demonstrates that, no matter how difficult it may seem, we can always find a way to choose happiness.