Episode 21 - Don’t Get Too Happy: Why We Sabotage the Good Stuff

Why do so many of us pull back just when life gets good? Why does joy feel unsafe? In this episode, host Courtney Schoch touches on a surprisingly common topic but rarely talked about. It's an emotional block: the fear of happiness, also known as cherophobia. 

Courtney unpacks the hidden reasons we sabotage our own joy, from past trauma and cultural conditioning to fear of vulnerability and loss. Through a blend of storytelling, science, and strategies, she invites listeners to challenge the quiet voice that whispers, “Don’t get too happy—it won’t last.”

You’ll walk away with powerful mindset flips, real-life tools like “joy resilience,” and the encouragement to let happiness actually land—no guilt, no self-sabotage, just one brave breath at a time.

Recommended Podcasts & Talks

 - Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Episode: “Joy is Unbearable. Why?”
 - Ten Percent Happier Podcast with Dan Harris
 - The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Books & Tools

 - Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
 - Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
 - Emotional Agility by Susan David
 - Apps: Insight Timer, Headspace, Calm
 - Practices: Savoring Walk, Gratitude Journaling

Mentions & References

1. Joshanloo, M. & Weijers, D. (2014). Aversion to Happiness Across Cultures: A Review of Where and Why People are Averse to Happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-013-9489-9

2. Gilbert, P. (2009). The Compassionate Mind. Constable.

3. Brené Brown (2010). The Power of Vulnerability. TED Talk & book (Daring Greatly).

4. Tara Brach (2020). Radical Compassion.

5. The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (2007).

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Learn more about your host Courtney Schoch