Sometimes life has ways of testing our ability to remain happy. When that happens, we might succumb to sadness.

Perhaps that's why it's a mitzvah, a commandment, to be happy. If it would come naturally, then it wouldn't be a mitzvah. It would be a natural thing to do.

It may be more difficult to follow this mitzvah than others. Some people have greater difficulty than others - possibly because they are tested more intensively.

Some people put on a happy face even though they are really not that happy. That may be better than being sad, but it is neither the the full intent or extent of the mitzvah. Ideally, it is best to force yourself to be happy inside.

Perhaps this can be accomplished by thinking less about those overwhelming troubles and problems and by concentrating on good things. It may be advisable to think about good things in advance. The greater your mental repertoire of good things, the more you can relate to them when you need them.

Try to appreciate and mark down those good things while they happen and make a list of them. Keep that list handy. Make a copy on the computer so you can print out a copy when you need it. Update that list as often as you can, so that you will always have good things to think about.

When those bad times come, and they will, review that list of good, positive, nice, and pleasant things.

That list won't make the bad things go away, but it may help you fulfill the commandment of being sincerely happy all the time.

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