This old world can be exhausting, despairing, and cynical. But you don't have to be.

Instead, you can unlock the power to a happy life--an act of defiance that will make you more resilient in times of turmoil, pain, and chaos. Cultivating happiness takes grit, determination, and a good sense of humor. It's not always easy, but it's well worth it.

Writer Joy Marie Clarkson leads the way, crafting a case for happiness no matter what you're going through.

"If we accept that life will be full of difficulties and sorrows, we then have two to resign ourselves to life generally being a bummer, or to seek enjoyment, delight, and hope in the midst of (and in spite of!) life's up and downs. To put it You could choose to cultivate happiness, or you could not. . . . I think we should go for it."

Go, therefore, and choose an aggressively happy life.