Note: This is part of an occasional series of songs on my playlist. They aren’t necessarily running music. They are song that mean something to me and help me push through a workout.

Song: “Happier,” by Marshmello and Bastille

Let’s face facts, the video for this song is depressing. But there some good points to be had in between the tears.

Bastille is most likely singing about a broken relationship between two individuals. I find that the song hits a lot of relationships in my life.

I really like adventuring now, especially early in the day.

When I work out, these lyrics speak to me the most:

“I want to raise your spirits
I want to see you smile but
Know that means I’ll have to leave

Know that means I’ll have to leave
Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier.”

So, who has to leave in this song? Who wants to raise my spirits?

It’s me.

For my kids, I want to raise their spirits. I want them to be happy and healthy.

Along my journey of parenthood, I have had to put a lot of my fears and insecurities aside. The old me had to leave.

A recent creation that I decided not to post after a long run and some meditation.

Sometimes I have to just physically leave a situation to clear my mind and make myself happier. When I’m having a bad day or am working with some beat down emotions, leaving the situation by adventuring really helps me feel better. I also get some clarity.

I grew up as a Type A personality. I get frazzled easily. When I’m frazzled, I quit and sometimes shutdown.

Deep down, there has always been a part of me that has wanted me to be happier. My husband noted a dramatic change in my between when he first meet me and when we became parents.

To be happier, I have learned to let go of things that didn’t bring me joy. I also learned how to cope with things better. I found joy in doing scary things that I’ve always wanted to do.

“Then only for a minute
I want to change my mind
‘Cause this just don’t feel right to me.”

Life is hard. Finding contentment sometimes means second guessing your decisions. But when you look at where you were and where you are now, you know it’s worth it.

Your journey to happiness is worth it. You are worth it. I want to see you happy. I want to see you smile. I hope you want to see yourself smile too.

What songs make you run a little faster or make you get in the zone? Let me know in the comments.