.png)
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains some spoilers! Not a lot, but you've been warned. ◡̈
Ever have those moments where a movie hits you right in the feels, but in the best way possible? I took my 13-year-old son to see Inside Out 2, and let me tell you, it sparked a conversation that went way beyond the popcorn bucket.
We're both huge fans of the first movie, but this one felt different.
Maybe it's because as a parent navigating the wild world of adolescence with him, the themes of emotions and self-discovery resonated deeply. Or maybe it's because the movie brilliantly showcased a technique I use all the time – Stop & Shift.
Stop & Shift: Your Brain's Built-in Reset Button
For those unfamiliar, Stop & Shift is a mental exercise I created to help people become more aware of their thoughts and intentionally shift them to a more positive and productive space.
We all have those inner voices constantly chattering away, and sometimes those voices aren't exactly cheering us on. Stop & Shift is like a built-in reset button for your brain, allowing you to interrupt negative thought patterns and choose a more empowering perspective.
Now, how did this translate to the big screen in Inside Out 2?
1. Stop & Shift Takes Center Stage!
During a scene where Riley's asleep and her subconscious is filled with "scary dreams," we see how Joy, the ever-optimistic emotion, steps in to regulate the stories Riley's projecting. How? By using two simple words: "What if...?"
This, my friends, is Stop & Shift in action! By prompting Riley to consider alternative possibilities, Joy helps her reframe the situation from scary to hopeful. 💫
(P.S. – stay tuned, because a whole blog post about the power of "What if..." is coming soon!)
2. Emotions We All Recognize
Remember the five emotions from the first movie – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear?
Well, Inside Out 2 introduces us to a whole new cast of characters representing Riley's teenage emotions: Embarrassment, Envy, Anxiety, and Boredom. My son and I were cracking up! They were on point.
These new emotions are spot-on portrayals of what teenagers (and adults, let's be honest) deal with on a daily basis. It was hilarious to see them come to life on screen, but it also highlighted something super important:
3. Our Thoughts Shape Our Beliefs (and Sometimes Steal Our Shine!)
The movie does a fantastic job of showing how our thoughts and feelings can become deeply ingrained in us, forming our overall belief system. It even explores how certain emotions can hijack our sense of self.
This resonated with both me and my son. We've all been there – stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts that make us feel down and defeated.
The film brilliantly depicts this dynamic, reminding us of the importance of recognizing our thought patterns and their impact on our well-being.
4. Anxiety: Friend or Foe?
While Inside Out 2 focuses on Riley's journey through puberty, the message about emotions and mental health is universal. It delves into the complex emotion of anxiety.
While often portrayed as the villain of the story, the movie offers a refreshing perspective. We see how anxiety, when managed effectively, can actually be a valuable tool in navigating life's challenges.
I have no doubt, every single adult in the theater could relate to the movie's portrayal of anxiety, leaving many with a newfound understanding of this emotion and its impact on our lives.
Here’s the Bottom Line…
Inside Out 2 is a fantastic summer movie that deserves all five stars! This movie reminds us that we have the power to navigate big emotions, reframe our thoughts, and choose a more aligned path. You'll laugh, you might cry (okay, I definitely teared up a bit! 🥲), and most importantly, you'll leave the theater with a deeper understanding of your own inner world.
So, grab your popcorn, round up the crew, and because this film deserves a spot on your must-watch list!
And remember, the next time you find yourself stuck in a negative thought loop, take a page out of Joy's playbook and ask yourself, "What if...?" You might be surprised by the positive shift it can bring.
If you're wondering how to practice Stop & Shift to transform your mindset, I've got you covered!
Let's be honest, rewiring our brains and building new thought patterns can feel like a giant puzzle at first. It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed, but the good news is, you don't have to do it alone.
Here's the thing: I believe in the power of small, daily steps. That's exactly how I trained my own brain to overcome the unthinkable and how I manage everyday stress. Stop & Shift is a simple practice, but it's powerful because it combines the best of mindfulness, positive psychology, and something called neuroplasticity (don't worry, it's a fancy way of saying your brain is like a muscle – you can train it to think differently!).
This means that regardless of where you are today, you have the ability to change everything.
You are always one thought away from a whole new way of experiencing life!
And guess what? Stop & Shift can help you get there.
In fact, I've created a whole digital course dedicated to teaching you exactly how to use Stop & Shift to transform your mindset for good. It's packed with easy-to-follow exercises and strategies you can start using today.
Ready to give Stop & Shift a try?
Use the code INSIDEOUT at checkout for 25% OFF and start your journey to a more positive and empowered you!
.jpg)
Comments