Happy You vs Unhappy You: which one are you???

I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness lately (actually I’m always thinking about happiness!) and how much it impacts every single aspect of our lives. I was chatting with a client last week about what it truly means to live your best life, and it struck me how often we get caught up in the details, the strategies, the daily grind—thinking that’s what will make us happy. 

But the truth is, happiness isn’t about ticking off a to-do list or following some perfect plan. It’s about YOU.

So many people struggle to feel genuinely happy, even when they’re doing all the “right” things.

They’re caught up in the whirlwind of life, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

They’re worried about what others think of them, constantly comparing themselves to others.

They’re stuck in old habits, feeling like they’re not enough, or that happiness is something that’s always just out of reach.

Sound familiar?

No matter how many self-help books you read, podcasts you listen to, or motivational quotes you pin, it hardly makes a difference if, when it comes to actually living your life, those same worries, fears, and excuses keep creeping back in.

And you know what? They’re all very real and valid!

But here’s the thing: living your happiest, most fulfilling life isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint. It’s about you figuring out how to step into the happiest version of yourself. The strategies, routines, and tips are helpful, sure, but if you can’t get past those internal roadblocks, they won’t make the difference you’re looking for.

Many years ago, (and lots of times since!) I found myself stuck in a rut. I had big dreams, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to make any real progress. I realised that if I didn’t change, my life wasn’t going to change.

A mentor I had at the time shared a powerful exercise with me that I still use to this day.

She said, “Imagine it’s 12 months from now and you’re still unhappy, stuck, and unfulfilled. Who did you have to be to end up there?”

I took out a piece of paper and wrote it all down – you know how much I love journaling! And there she was—unhappy me—right there in black and white. The version of me who stayed stuck in her comfort zone, let fear hold her back, and kept waiting for the ‘right’ moment that never came.

I didn’t want to be her anymore. I had outgrown her.

Then my mentor said, “Now imagine it’s 12 months from now, and you’re living your best life, full of joy, love, purpose, and of course, HAPPINESS. Who did you have to be to create that?”

I journaled my heart out, and there she was—happy me.

She was full of life, she embraced every moment, and she didn’t let fear or doubt stop her. She prioritised her wellbeing, surrounded herself with positivity, and celebrated every small win along the way. She wasn’t perfect, but she was real, and she was happy … very happy!

I realised then that I already knew who I needed to be, but I just wasn’t living as her. Seeing it all laid out on paper helped me gain clarity in a way I hadn’t before.

The next step was figuring out how to overcome those old habits and ways of thinking that kept me from being my happiest self.

It took practice, it took patience, and it took a lot of trial and error and oodles of self-compassion. But I was determined.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to happiness isn’t about changing everything around you; it’s about changing how you show up in your own life.

And you know what? It’s not about waiting for that perfect moment or the final piece of the puzzle to fall into place. It’s about celebrating every single step, every little shift in perspective, and every small victory along the way.

So, my reflection pieces for you this week are:

1 Thing to Think About:

What does the happiest version of you look like?

• Think about it—what are you doing, how are you feeling, and how do you approach each day?

1 Thing to Ask Yourself:

Am I living in a way that brings me closer to being that happiest version of myself?

• If not, what small changes can I make today to move in that direction?

1 Thing to Experiment With:

Try showing up as that happiest version of you, even just for a day or part of a day.

• See what happens when you make decisions, interact with others, and treat yourself as that joyful, fulfilled person you’re aiming to be.

Remember, happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a way of being. And it’s available to you right now, in this moment.

So, which version of you are you going to be?

If you want help stepping into the happiest, most fulfilled version of yourself, I’d love to support you on that journey!

I have a few spaces available for private one-on-one sessions where we can work together to create the life of your dreams—full of joy, purpose, and great big juicy happiness.

You can book a call to chat with me about it here >> Clarity Call with Catherine

I’d love nothing more than to help you become the happiest version of yourself and live the life you’ve always dreamed of!

Have a wonderful day, and remember to embrace the happiest version of you.

Until next time, sunshine & great big hugs,