July 24, 2024

Life has felt so restless lately. Sleepness nights and groggy days make it hard to focus on work. Watching the newly released “Inside Out 2” yesterday made me realize the “anxiety guy” inside my head is the culprit.

I remember when dreaming big was easy, without fears or worries holding me back. Now, doubts creep in — am I good enough? Is this the right path? Can I achieve my dreams?

These worries and anxieties are real. They constantly tell me I’m not doing well enough, that others can succeed but I can’t. I keep searching for something I’m good at, but never find it.

I’ve been standing still, watching friends chase their dreams with excitement while I wonder when, or if, I’ll ever pursue mine. Riley Anderson from the movie faces a similar struggle, feeling lost and unsure, affecting her hockey game and her sense of self.

Inside Out 2 hit close to home, showing that anxiety is raging and messing with my life. I’ve lost most of the joy I could have felt, and sadness feels lame.

Riley is actually a gentle reminder for me, that these inner voices, these relentless doubts, are okay — to some extend. It portrays anxiety not necessarily as a villain but as a part of us that needs understanding and compassion. Through Riley’s journey, I see the importance of acknowledging our emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, and finding a way to live harmoniously with them. But how? How do I cope with these anxiety?

Though, I think Inside Out 2 is a beautiful, a poignant reminder that despite the chaos inside, we can still find our way, still chase our dreams, and still feel joy. It’s an exploration of the mind and a comforting message that we’re not alone in our struggles.

Riley and her emotions’ crew leaves me with a hopeful message, that I will be able to navigate through my inner turmoil, embrace my anxieties, and find strength to pursue my dreams. And finally joy can always be discovered.