10 Things We Can Learn from Riley from Inside Out

Watching Riley grow up and learn to navigate her emotions in Inside Out was an unforgettable ride. With Inside Out 2 about to hit theaters, our girl is going to face a whole new set of challenges and meet some new emotions as she becomes a teenager.

But before we get to know Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment, let’s look back at some of the most memorable life lessons we learned with Riley in Inside Out. And don’t forget – you can use your Disney Rewards Redemption Card to see Inside Out 2 this summer when you buy your tickets via AMCTheatres.com or on the AMC Theatres Mobile App.¹

1. Core memories help make us who we are.

Core memories are those experiences that are so significant they shape our personalities. Without them, we would lose touch with our sense of self—just like Riley did when Joy and Sadness lost her core memories.

2. Imagination can help you solve problems creatively.

When Joy and Sadness ran into Bing Bong outside Imagination Land, they didn’t know if Riley’s old imaginary friend could help get them back to HQ. But with the help of Bing Bong – and a few Imaginary Boyfriends – Joy and Sadness were eventually able to make it back home.

3. It’s okay not to be okay.

Even though Joy wanted Riley to be happy all the time, that’s just not realistic. Sometimes, we go through challenging seasons of life, like Riley did when her family moved from Minnesota to San Francisco. Difficult emotions are a part of life, and it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

4. All emotions have a purpose.

Before they had to work together to retrieve Riley’s core memories, Joy tried to keep Sadness out of Riley’s world. But when she saw that even Sadness contributes to Riley’s wellbeing, Joy learned that all emotions have a purpose.

5. You can feel all your feelings.

Fear, Anger, Disgust, Joy, Sadness—there are plenty of emotions running around Head Quarters (a.k.a Riley’s brain), and everyone has a part to play. Anger helps Riley be aggressive on the ice during a hockey game, while Disgust makes sure she doesn’t accept broccoli on her pizza.

6. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

Sometimes, you can’t get out of a tough spot by yourself. Joy and Bing Bong found themselves stranded in the Memory Dump, and they knew it was only a matter of time before they disappeared from Riley’s life completely. Joy asked Bing Bong for help to escape the Memory Dump, and we can lean on our support system when we need help, too.

7. Feelings change (and that’s a good thing).

Riley didn’t always like living in San Francisco. And while Joy and Sadness went on their journey to retrieve Riley’s core memories, Anger, Fear, and Disgust were left to run the show. But feelings change. Riley didn’t stay angry and fearful for long once she learned to navigate her emotions.

8. Speak up!

When Riley decided that she had to run away from home, she didn’t share her plan with anyone else. She thought running away would solve all her problems. But if she had spoken up and told her parents how she was feeling, she might not have felt so alone.

9. Make room for friends new and old.

Riley didn’t want to let go of her childhood friends back in Minnesota. And she probably didn’t want to forget her friend who likes to play, Bing Bong. Life is about staying connected to old friends while making new ones.

10. It’s what we do with our emotions that counts.

Anger can help Riley express her feelings or convince her to run away from home. Sadness can help her reflect or leave her crying on the couch all day. When learning to navigate our emotions, it’s not about avoiding certain emotions, as Riley herself learned. It’s how we act on our emotions that really counts.

We can’t wait to see what Riley learns from all the sophisticated new emotions moving into HQ. And as a Cardmember, you can redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward your ticket to see Inside Out 2 when you book your tickets online at AMCTheatres.com or on the AMC Theatres Mobile App.¹