The Nesivos Shalom s presentation focuses on areas we can work on in order to create an inner environment that is conducive to joy. Hashem, our Father and King, is always looking out for our absolute good. Purifying character is a source of happiness.
Emotional life is interconnected with moral and spiritual life.
A vague down feeling about life might be an indication that there is a need for inner change. Spiritual and moral flaws can be a source of a lack of joy and vitality in life. Humility is an especially powerful way of developing joy. The source of sadness can often be arrogance and self-centeredness, when a person finds himself lacking the things he thought were coming to him. When one is humble he is appreciative of whatever he has, seeing it as a Divine gift he did not necessarily deserve.