The advice about happiness that changed my life

I spoke to a Chassidic mentor, just generally, what I should ask when I go in to the Rebbe? He suggested something which fit in very well with my personality: “Ask the Rebbe how is it possible to be joyous.” Why did it fit in with my personality? – You’ll see from what the Rebbe said about that. So I did ask: “How is it possible to be joyous always?” The Rebbe said: “You should know that the Jewish soul is literally a piece of God above. That being so, how is it possible not to be joyous?” – The Rebbe turned the question around completely. “And because you, in particular, are a melancholy type of person, you have to bear this in mind at all times – to be joyous, and for that reason.” Those were his words: “How can you not be joyous realizing that the soul is literally a piece of God above?” And so after that, by Cup of Blessing over the years, the Rebbe would say: “How’s the joy going?” So I used to have to jump and sing… The Rebbe didn’t forget that. After I left 770, it was a few years before I was able to get back, and by Cup of Blessing, it must have been Shavuos-time, the Rebbe immediately said, “How’s the joy going?” I had just gone past in my usual quiet way, but the Rebbe didn’t forget.