We watched the sequel to Inside Out the next day with my wife, and as expected, following the conclusion of the first movie, the story centers on Riley, now 13 years old, as she begins her journey through puberty. With this pivotal life stage come new emotions—Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui—joining the core cast of emotions. A new addition, the “Sense of Self,” emerges as a central element, shaped by Riley’s accumulated memories. In her usual well-meaning but impulsive way, Joy attempts to create the best environment for Riley by discarding what she perceives as “unnecessary memories.”
The Power of Emotions in Shaping Behavior
Once again, the movie provides a powerful analogy for how our emotions often take the reins of our behaviors. Our unconscious mind, which is responsible for the majority of our decisions, is frequently dictated by emotional impulses. This highlights the critical importance of understanding and regulating our emotional landscape.
The development of our cognitive brain enables us to plan for the future, but this ability has a double-edged nature. It introduces overthinking, represented by Anxiety in the movie, which fixates on potential negative outcomes, sidelining other emotions. Meanwhile, Envy enters the picture, reflecting humanity’s all-too-common tendency to compare ourselves with others—be they neighbors, friends, or family—sparking desires for what others have.
For teenagers, managing this flood of new emotions isn’t instantaneous. Time, experience, and support from caring adults are essential. Caretakers, however, must also regulate their own emotions to guide children effectively. Unfortunately, many adults struggle with their own anxieties and fears, which can impede their ability to provide emotional stability. While the movie doesn’t delve deeply into this dynamic, focusing instead on Riley’s journey at a hockey camp, this choice is understandable given its orientation toward younger audiences.
A Lesson in Emotional Balance
The film reinforces the importance of achieving emotional balance for a fulfilling life. At the outset, Joy’s decision to discard “useless” memories mirrors the actions of Anxiety, who later takes control and eliminates memories from her perspective. The message is clear: all experiences, even unpleasant ones, have value. Acknowledging and learning from bad memories or traumas is the only way to grow. Suppressing or denying them leads to long-term repercussions, as evidenced by the impact of trauma on brain health.
Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize—offers hope for overcoming these challenges. By cultivating daily habits that nurture the brain, such as lifelong learning, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and meaningful social connections, we can enhance our emotional resilience. Surrounding ourselves with active listeners who refrain from judgment and provide genuine support is equally vital.
Building a Broader Perspective
At One Daily Tale, we believe that developing these healthy habits not only fosters self-awareness but also deepens our understanding of society and the world. Too often, our perspectives are limited by cultural or national boundaries. By thinking on a global scale, we gain new insights and naturally feel compelled to contribute not only to our own communities but to the world at large.
Alone, our capacity for change is limited, but together, we can create a ripple effect. By becoming local examples—role models for family, friends, and beyond—our collective influence can expand. Small, connected spheres of influence can grow into a movement, embodying the spirit of the famous Three Musketeers quote: “All for one, and one for all.”
Your Thoughts
What are your views on how emotions shape our behaviors and decisions? Do you think movies like Inside Out 2 effectively convey these ideas to younger audiences? Let us know in the comments!
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