How Emotions & Belief Systems Guide us in Life

The rain was pouring outside, creating the perfect excuse to curl up and watch Inside Out 2 — not that I ever need any excuse to indulge in a Disney, Pixar or Marvel film.

The first installment of Inside Out introduced us to the concept of core memories, but the sequel took a deep dive into something that resonated even more: belief systems and the evolving sense of self.

In Inside Out 2, belief systems are represented as rays of light.

Each ray of light stands for a specific belief Riley holds, and when they all come together, they form her sense of self. This is a beautifully visualised metaphor, one that got me reflecting on how our belief systems evolve as we grow, shaped by our ever-changing emotions and experiences.

As we move through different stages of life, our emotions are like a compass—guiding, redirecting, and teaching us. What once sparked joy in childhood may bring nostalgia or even sorrow as we age.

Emotions that felt overwhelming in our youth—like fear, embarrassment or envy—mature with time, taking on new meanings as we learn to sit with them. This evolving emotional landscape isn’t just a wave of feelings that come and go. It’s the foundation upon which our beliefs are built, torn down, and rebuilt.

One of the most poignant scenes of Inside Out 2 is when Riley experiences a panic attack during a hockey game. Anxiety takes control, overwhelming her. This is a relatable moment for many of us—when one emotion, like anxiety, seems to take the wheel of our lives and steer us into a spiral. Joy steps in, guiding Riley to use a grounding technique where she focuses on her five senses and her breath. This simple practice pulls Riley out of her panic and back into the present moment.

Once grounded, Riley takes ownership of her actions. She apologises to her friends for being distant and harsh, recognising that her emotions had driven her to act out. By the end of the film, Riley forms a new “sense of self,” one that accepts all of her emotions—even when they are conflicting or contradictory. She no longer tries to suppress or ignore her feelings but embraces them as part of who she is.

What I love most about the emotional journey of Riley is that it reflects so much of what we all experience as we age. In childhood, we feel emotions in raw, uninhibited ways. There’s no filter—joy, sadness, fear, anger—they come crashing in with full force, and we respond instinctively. But as we grow older, these same emotions carry the weight of experience, love, loss and learned wisdom. The joy of childhood becomes layered with nostalgia. Sadness becomes a deep well of reflection, and anger may transform into a drive for change or justice.

As Riley’s emotions come together, they realize that no single emotion gets to define who she is. Each one—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and even Anxiety—contributes to her sense of self. This is a powerful reminder for us all: we are not just one emotion or one belief. We are the sum of many. And as we grow, each emotion has its place, each belief shifts, and through that process, we become a more complete version of ourselves.

What struck me about Inside Out 2 is how it illustrates the evolution of belief systems. In the first movie, core memories were Riley’s foundation, but in the sequel, it’s the idea of belief systems that takes center stage. Each ray of light representing a belief contributes to who Riley is at that moment. And as her emotions shift and guide her through life’s challenges, these rays of light come together to form her sense of self.

The film beautifully captures how emotions are so much more that just fleeting moments—they are building blocks. They shape our beliefs, inform our choices and guide us toward deeper self-discovery. Riley’s journey shows us that we don’t need to fear our emotions, even the difficult ones. By accepting all parts of ourselves, we create space for growth and transformation.

In one of the final scenes, Riley’s emotions acknowledge that they all have a role to play. No single emotion gets to be in charge all the time. Instead, they work together to help Riley show up as the best version of herself. Isn’t that what life is all about? Letting each emotion teach us, guide us, and ultimately help us become more whole, more authentic versions of who we’re meant to be.

I’m so glad I chose to add Inside Out 2 to my watch list as it is more than just a fun animation. It’s a powerful reminder of how emotions evolve with age, how they shape our beliefs, and how they guide us through the inevitable changes life brings. As I watched Riley navigate her inner world, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own emotional journey. How my own belief systems have shifted, expanded and deepened as I have moved through different stages of life.

If you are looking for a heartwarming yet thought-provoking film to watch on a rainy afternoon, Inside Out 2 is definitely worth adding to your list. I promise you will walk away with more than a few laughs—you will also be left with reflections on your own emotional landscape, how your beliefs have shaped you, and how they will continue to evolve as you grow.

Keep reading for some reflection questions that are designed to help you explore the depths of your emotional landscape and belief systems. By taking time to reflect, you are likely discover how each emotion, no matter how messy or uncomfortable, has played a pivotal role in shaping who you are today.

How have your emotions evolved over time?
Reflect on emotions you experienced in childhood versus how you experience them now. Have certain emotions like joy or fear shifted in meaning for you?

What are your core beliefs, and how do they shape your sense of self?
Think about the belief systems you hold today. Do they come from childhood experiences, or have they evolved with time?

When was the last time you let an emotion take control?
Consider a moment when an emotion like anxiety or anger overwhelmed you. How did you navigate that experience? Did you use any grounding techniques, like Riley?

How do you respond to conflicting emotions?
When you feel a mixture of emotions—like joy and sadness—do you allow them to coexist, or do you suppress one in favour of the other?

What belief systems are you ready to let go of?
Are there outdated beliefs that no longer serve you? Reflect on how your evolving emotional landscape can guide you in reshaping these beliefs.

How do your emotions contribute to your personal growth?
Reflect on times when emotions have guided you toward greater self-awareness or transformation. How have they helped you grow into the person you are today?

What role do emotions play in your decision-making process?
Do you rely on your emotions to guide important decisions, or do you try to suppress them in favour of logic? How has this approach served you in the past?

How do you express your emotions to others?
Do you feel comfortable sharing your emotions openly, or do you tend to keep them hidden? How might expressing your emotions more authentically impact your relationships and sense of self?

Which emotions challenge you the most, and why?
Reflect on the emotions that are most difficult for you to face—whether it’s anger, fear, or sadness. What belief systems are connected to these emotions, and how might they be guiding your personal growth?