Ultimate Happy Music Playlist

The weather in Charlotte right now is INCREDIBLE. It’s in the mid-70s and it’s absolutely blowing my mind. Though locals are telling me it’s “not normal” summertime weather, I’m choosing to ignore them and will go on pretending Ryan and I moved to the most magical place on earth with sunny summer days that are warm enough for sundresses but cool enough for a light sweater.

Since it’s not ridiculously hot outside today, I waited a little while and didn’t take Sadie out for a run until 9:30 a.m. which truly would be unthinkable in Florida right now unless I wanted to collapse after five minutes in a pool of my own sweat. I give SO much credit to those of you who live in hot places and run miles and miles in the summer. You deserve extra credit or something. Heat wipes me out!

And speaking of running with Sadie, here’s a photo that Ryan snapped last week when we got home after a five miler.

As my Instagram buddies out there know, it made me laugh because it so perfectly captures Sadie’s neediness and total disregard for my desire to enjoy some solo stretching after a run. But then again, I learned a long time ago that if I am on the floor, I’m fair game. What is it about a human on the floor that makes dogs react like it’s Christmas morning!?

Anyway, today’s four-mile run ended up being the best run I’ve had in months. I’m not sure what made it so great, but I truly enjoyed every minute and I am not someone who ever enjoys every minute of a run… ever. While I do find joy in running, today’s run was the kind of awesome run that comes along once in a blue moon. I think the weather, leaving my Garmin at home, running at an easy pace, a joyful running partner (Sadie) and a rockin’ playlist had a lot to do with it.

I spent some time putting together a summertime playlist last night and about halfway through, I realized all of the songs were ridiculously happy and upbeat. It’s the kind of playlist that will probably annoy the heck out of you if you’re feeling cranky but make you want to sing in your car if you’re in a good mood. And no, Pharrell’s “Happy” is not on it because I am a member of the 5 percent of the population who cannot stand that song. But I do love the handful of songs you’ll see below!

Hopefully some of the following songs will make you smile and make it onto your next workout playlist when you need a little pick-me-up. There’s a mix of ‘90s music, classic rock, hits from today and totally cheesy girly music.

Feel free to give a shout out to one of your go-to “happy songs” in the comments section! You guys always give me great ideas for my next playlists!

Ultimate Happy Music Playlist

• B.o.B (feat. Rivers Cuomo) – I’ve Got The Magic In Me
• C&C Music Factory – Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)
• Deee-Lite – Groove Is In The Heart
• Kate Ryan – All For You
• Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody
• The Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
• Katrina and The Waves – Walking On Sunshine
• Save Ferris – Come On Eileen
• Avicii & Sebastien Drums – My Feelings For You (Original Mix)
• Foreigner – Juke Box Hero 
• Paul Simon – Call Me Al
• The Temptations – Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
• Bel Biv DeVoe – Poison
• MKTO – Classic
• Abba – Dancing Queen
• Glee Cast – River Deep Mountain High
• Miley Cyrus – Party In The U.S.A.

And yes, I almost didn’t put the Miley Cyrus song on there for fear of ostracization, but it’s so darn catchy I couldn’t resist. I feel your judgment and I accept it.

Question of the Afternoon

• What song can you always count on to boost your mood when you’re feeling down?