WARNING: This is a touchy-feely blog post. I free associated my way into a blog idea that would allow me to let my feelings out, using a photo of my cats.
After much struggle to keep Sadness out of Riley’s life, Joy finally ends up working together with Sadness to build new, more integrated memories that are part of the process of growing up and that lead Riley into a more emotionally complex life. Obviously this is not your typical “cartoon” movie with heroes and villains!
This movie really hit a cord with me. No one likes to feel sad and deep sadness can lead to depression, but avoiding feelings is not a very realistic way of going through life. The fact that Sadness was such a cute, roly-poly character made me really connect with her. I found myself rooting for her to be accepted and included in the crazy conglomeration of feelings. As it turns out, Sadness does have a purpose, to alert others, including her friends and family, when Riley is emotionally overwhelmed and needs help. The process of seeking and accepting help leads Riley to the discovery that emotions are meant to connect people together, and that relationships are the most important things in life. I am aware that the theme of this film plays itself out in my life on a daily basis. Yes, I would like to be happy, happy, happy all the time, but sometimes that quest leads to my seeking out unhealthy ways to cover up the not so happy feelings, like using food in an addictive way. Dealing with those feelings means I need to reach out for help and trust that there will be Joy waiting in the wings.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Leslie Masona woman in search of her post-retirement future Guess what! By subscribing, you get notices about the latest Little Old Lady with Cats posts sent to your mailbox!
* * *
The Book Naked Little Old Lady with Cats A collection of Little Old Lady with Cats blogs * * *
WHAT IS A LITTLE OLD LADY WITH CATS - REALLY?
(from an entry posted on 5/1/2015) “I definitely fit some of the characteristics of a little old lady with cats: Retired - check, Single - check, Like to knit - check, Have cats - check. . .I do not want to get stuck in my Little Old Lady persona, however. In fact, this blog is a risk taking experiment in exploring and redefining what I want my retired life to look like.” Categories
All
Archive
June 2024
|