​The interesting thing about happiness is that the harder we pursue it, the more it eludes us. Some people think that if they could just have a certain job, car, house or live in a certain neighborhood, they will be happy. Then, when they get these things, they find they’re still unhappy. As former Supreme Court Justice, Hugo Black put it: “It is the paradox of life that the way to miss pleasure is to seek it first. The very first condition to lasting happiness is that a life should be full of purpose, aiming at something outside one’s self.” In other words, we can’t obtain happiness by chasing after it; it’s a by-product of the things we do for others. And the easiest thing we can do for others is to brighten their day with a smile, a friendly greeting, a kind comment or letting them know that you appreciate them.