{"id":2730,"date":"2026-02-22T15:59:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T21:59:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/?p=2730"},"modified":"2026-02-22T16:43:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T22:43:22","slug":"a-happiness-playlist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2026\/02\/22\/a-happiness-playlist\/","title":{"rendered":"A Happiness Playlist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2014I don\u2019t 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. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I do, however, enjoy a classic beach read<\/a> too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> and Claire Cook<\/a>. Many of the book reviews<\/a> here at The Best-Life Project are written by me and introduce you to the work of these two authors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right now I am in the midst of reading Living the Good Life<\/a><\/em> by Celia Anderson<\/a>. I haven\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s wishes, to Willowbrook\u2014a village in England. Nell connects with Maryam who, with her husband, owns the general store on the corner of Nell\u2019s neighborhood. There she meets three mature women \u201cwho are determined to blast through their later years with style and naughtiness.\u201d These new friends, Beryl, Winnie, and Anthea, are central in all 4 of Celia\u2019s novels set in Willowbrook. Through these new friends, she also meets Rev Bev\u2014the local vicar. There are more characters, but these are the main ones that fit into what struck me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rev Bev holds many classes at the church but she\u2019s wanting to do one that is more introspective. She, Nell, and Maryam end up brainstorming together to create the \u201cReasons for Happiness\u201d group. In their planning session, Nell, an aspiring writer, crafts the mission statement\/promotional piece for the group: \u201cHave 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\u2019t discover your Holy Grail. The cake and biscuits will be sure make the effort worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They design a six-week program and 12 people come to the first meeting\u2014during which Rev Bev instructs them to share \u201cone piece of music that means something special to you and lifts your mood.\u201d They share and tell a bit about why that song was chosen. Then they create a playlist containing each song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s where I got inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two weeks ago, I was on a girl trip to San Antonio with two friends, Amy and Melanie, and my sister\u2014who is also my friend (more on this trip in another post). I\u2019m not even sure how, but we got to talking about music. Aware of the Best-Life Project, Amy suggested a song she thought I\u2019d like: Living My Best Life by Ben Rector<\/a>. 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<\/a>. 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\u2019t have a \u201chappy\u201d playlist without Happy by Pharrel Williams. I decided to ask AI to make me a playlist based on these five songs\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I started reading Living the Good Life<\/em>. 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\u2014plus, my 5. I am listening to it now! I trust I will add to it as I think of more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I encourage you to create your own mood-lifting playlist. Here\u2019s the \u201cHappiness Gang\u2019s\u201d playlist. You could start with these (and mine) and add your own songs and then delete those that don\u2019t move you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n