If you haven’t seen “Inside Out 2” yet, what are you waiting for? Seriously, go watch it, and then return back to this blog post where we will discuss this movie. Pixar has done it once again by producing a seemingly simple, yet deep, movie that reminds viewers just how deep and complex our emotions really are.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the movie is how it portrays emotions like anxiety, sadness, and even anger—not as enemies but as parts of ourselves that we need to understand and embrace. When watching “Inside Out 2,” many have stated online how much they resonated with the characters’ struggles, especially with Anxiety. To many, it was like seeing a part of themselves on the big screen.
In one scene in particular, Anxiety tries so desperately hard to do what she thinks is best for Riley but ends up making things worse. People found that scene particularly relatable and emotional. All of us have been there—worrying so much that it actually ends up hurting more than helping. The movie does an incredible job of showing that while Anxiety might seem like a negative emotion, it is not something to be villainized or pushed away. However, when anxiety takes over, it can cause a storm inside that’s hard to calm down.
What we love about “Inside Out 2” is that it doesn’t just focus on the ‘good’ emotions like Joy. It shows that all emotions, even the ones we might want to avoid, have a role to play. For example, Sadness in the first movie was eventually recognized as crucial to Riley’s emotional health. In this sequel, we see even more clearly that we need to give space to all our emotions, to listen to what they’re telling us.
In our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to push away feelings like sadness, anger, or anxiety. We might tell ourselves to ‘just be happy’ or ‘don’t worry so much.’ But the truth is, those emotions are there for a reason. They’re signals from our mind and body that something needs attention.
What if, instead of pushing them away, we took a moment to sit with these emotions? To ask ourselves, ‘Why am I feeling this way?’ and ‘What is this emotion trying to tell me?’ By doing this, we can start to understand our emotions better and manage them in a healthier way.
“Inside Out 2” also reminds us that it’s okay to feel conflicted and that it’s normal to have mixed emotions. Riley, the main character, goes through so many changes, and her emotions reflect that. It’s a great lesson for all of us, especially when we’re dealing with big life changes or challenges. It’s okay to feel a little bit of everything—what’s important is how we deal with those feelings.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember Riley and her emotions. Take a deep breath, acknowledge what you’re feeling, and know that it’s all part of being human. Embrace your emotions, learn from them, and let them guide you toward better mental wellness.
Let’s keep the conversation going! What emotions are you learning to embrace? How has “Inside Out 2” changed the way you see your own feelings? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
Take care and remember, every emotion should have a place in your heart.