A Happiness Playlist

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3 mins

If you have been part of the Best-Life community for very long, you know that I love to read novels. I read about one a week. I specifically like those that lean toward family drama, with strong female characters, more than romance—I don’t mind if there is romance in there, though I prefer that it is not the whole story. I especially like novels where the main characters are mature women like the Best-Life demographic. I also really appreciate writing that really makes you think about your own life in an instructive or philosophical way and makes you highlight sections to go back and review later. Sometimes, I love these bits of wisdom so much that I share them on my social media.

I do, however, enjoy a classic beach read too.

There are not too many books out there that hit my sweet spot. Two of my favorite authors who meet all of these conditions are Maddie Please and Claire Cook. Many of the book reviews here at The Best-Life Project are written by me and introduce you to the work of these two authors.

Right now I am in the midst of reading Living the Good Life by Celia Anderson. I haven’t even finished it yet, but I am so inspired by it that I got up yesterday morning planning to share it with you. Unfortunately, household tasks took precedence. But today, my plate is clear.

The main story line is around Nell. Her three children are grown and out of the house. Her husband has cut back his workload following his cancer and recovery. He decides that he wants a fresh start and moves them, against Nell’s wishes, to Willowbrook—a village in England. Nell connects with Maryam who, with her husband, owns the general store on the corner of Nell’s neighborhood. There she meets three mature women “who are determined to blast through their later years with style and naughtiness.” These new friends, Beryl, Winnie, and Anthea, are central in all 4 of Celia’s novels set in Willowbrook. Through these new friends, she also meets Rev Bev—the local vicar. There are more characters, but these are the main ones that fit into what struck me.

Rev Bev holds many classes at the church but she’s wanting to do one that is more introspective. She, Nell, and Maryam end up brainstorming together to create the “Reasons for Happiness” group. In their planning session, Nell, an aspiring writer, crafts the mission statement/promotional piece for the group: “Have you found that elusive key to happiness in your life? If not, why not? Join us for our weekly quest for contentment. Even if you don’t discover your Holy Grail. The cake and biscuits will be sure make the effort worthwhile.”

They design a six-week program and 12 people come to the first meeting—during which Rev Bev instructs them to share “one piece of music that means something special to you and lifts your mood.” They share and tell a bit about why that song was chosen. Then they create a playlist containing each song.

Here’s where I got inspired.

Two weeks ago, I was on a girl trip to San Antonio with two friends, Amy and Melanie, and my sister—who is also my friend (more on this trip in another post). I’m not even sure how, but we got to talking about music. Aware of the Best-Life Project, Amy suggested a song she thought I’d like: Living My Best Life by Ben Rector. She pulled it up and played it for us. Yes, it was perfect! I commented that it reminded me of a song by Andy Grammer: Good To Be Alive. I then began to think of a few other feel-good songs I liked: Cover me in Sunshine by Pink and Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield. You can’t have a “happy” playlist without Happy by Pharrel Williams. I decided to ask AI to make me a playlist based on these five songs—a playlist that would lift my mood. I got home on Friday night and our Super Bowl Party was on Sunday. In the flurry of activity getting ready for the party, I forgot about my playlist idea.

Then I started reading Living the Good Life. There, the group created a playlist of songs that would lift their mood. I was so excited about this, I got up yesterday morning and created a playlist with all of their songs—plus, my 5. I am listening to it now! I trust I will add to it as I think of more.

I encourage you to create your own mood-lifting playlist. Here’s the “Happiness Gang’s” playlist. You could start with these (and mine) and add your own songs and then delete those that don’t move you.

One Love by Bob Marley

Too Busy Thinking About My Baby by Marvin Gaye

Let Your Love Flow by the Bellamy Brothers

These Foolish Things by Ella Fitzgerald

You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate

Time Has Told Me by Nick Drake

Life Ain’t Easy by Dr. Hook

The Man with the Child in His Eyes by Kate Bush

Feeling Good by Nina Simmons

Pretty Amazing Grace by Neil Diamond

Man, I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain

These may seem like a really random list, but if you read Living the Good Life and the reasons each was chosen, I believe it will give perspective on this list and help you think of your own songs.

As you read Living the Good Life, you’ll go through the classes with the characters mentioned above and the others. As they learn, I believe you will gain insights of your own. It is both an entertaining and insightful read. I can’t wait to get back to reading it. My Kindle tells me I have 3 hours and 6 minutes left to finish the book.

I hope I have inspired you to read Living the Good Life. But even if you are not one who enjoys novels, perhaps you can borrow the Happiness Gang’s playlist ideas. What songs lift your mood, and why? Maybe I should add them to my list—or they might help others build theirs. Please share them here!