INSIDE OUT 2: SELF-TALK

Disney/Pixar

While I gave the movie a 7.5 rating out of 10, the movie is actually very profound and mature in discussing some important mental health aspects of life. There's an aspect in the “Inside Out 2” movie that people don't talk about: SELF-TALK. In the film, characters like Anxiety and Joy influence Riley's sense of self. Joy initially ensures that only positive memories shape Riley's beliefs, convincing her that she’s a good person while negative memories are forgotten. Consequently, Riley's self-talk, or internal dialogue, reflects Joy's influence with thoughts like "I am a good person" and Anxiety's influence with "I am not good enough." Self-talk is the way we converse with ourselves, combining conscious thoughts with ingrained beliefs and biases to create a continuous internal monologue. This internal dialogue is crucial because it significantly impacts our mental and emotional well-being, behavior, and overall quality of life. While normal speech occurs at about 100-150 words per minute and auctioneers speak at 250 words per minute, self-talk happens at an astonishing rate of 300-1000 words per minute.

Our self-talk is a powerful force that influences our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This internal dialogue can either cheer us on or cast doubt, thereby shaping our reality. Cultivating positive self-talk can greatly enhance mental well-being and quality of life. Our emotional state is often a reflection of how we talk to ourselves—feelings of anxiety can stem from negative self-talk. When you think of it, most of our emotional state is based on how we talk to ourselves. Do we feel anxious? It might be because of the way we speak to ourselves. The nature of our self-talk—whether positive or negative—can significantly impact our mental health. Positive self-talk can act as a buffer against stress, anxiety, and depression, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Conversely, negative self-talk can exacerbate these conditions and undermine our sense of self-worth. Positive self-talk aids in emotional regulation, keeping us calm, while negative self-talk can lead to heightened emotional responses.

Disney/Pixar

Interestingly, what we often label as "negative" self-talk isn’t always entirely negative. Negative self-talk can sometimes act as a form of self-protection, helping us avoid potential harm or failure. For example, cautionary thoughts can prevent us from taking unnecessary risks. For some people, a certain level of critical self-talk can serve as a motivator to improve and strive for better outcomes. It can push individuals to work harder and overcome obstacles. Negative self-talk can provide a reality check, helping us recognize areas where we need improvement. This can lead to personal growth and development when balanced with constructive feedback. Lastly, critical self-talk can help us identify potential problems and think through solutions. It prompts us to consider various scenarios and prepare for challenges.

My point is, the conversations we have with ourselves play an important role in our lives, they shape our mental well-being, self-esteem, social conduct, and emotional regulation. By becoming aware of our self-talk and consciously fostering a positive and supportive inner dialogue, we can significantly enhance our well-being and lead more fulfilling lives. Remember, your sense of self is not defined by the fleeting nature of emotions or the narratives created by self-talk; it is rooted in the enduring presence of your soul. The way you talk to yourself matters—be kind and be encouraging. Your sense of self is not your emotions or your self-talk, but your soul.