Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
  • Contact

Three Word Wednesday :: Joy & Sadness {thoughts on “Inside Out”}

June 24, 2015 by Kristin 29 Comments

Photo from Disney.com.

The kids and I went to see “Inside Out” on rainy Friday night. I decided to take them after a busy week because we like seeing movies in the theater, but I’m picky about which ones I let them see.

I didn’t expect to spend the movie reflecting on my one word for the year. {Read more JOY posts.}

Joy is actually the name of one of the characters. There’s also Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear. They help make 11-year-old Riley’s memories, feelings, thoughts, and personality.

The movie has adventure as Joy and Sadness try to get back to Headquarters. (Get it? HEADquarters …) There’s also story lines about friendship, family and change. The ultimate message was probably a little lost on 5-year-old Ben, but 8-year-old Cate understood it.

She summed it up when she whispered to me toward the end: “Joy is still there with Sadness.”

Joy spends most of the movie trying to make all Riley’s memories happy. But happiness is fleeting; joy is lasting. That’s what Sadness teaches Joy – and that’s what I’ve been learning the last few years.

Sadness – and the other emotions – has a place in life, but it doesn’t define our lives. No 11-year-old girl who loves hockey is going to be 100% thrilled to move her life from Minnesota to San Francisco (like the movie plot). Substitute whatever sadness you’ve experienced. I thought about people I miss, words I wished I said and the ones I should have kept inside, friendships that have changed, and the birth moms who have built our family while experiencing sadness of their own.

In the vault of my memories, some would be blue, signifying sadness, but there is still joy. This world has death, grief, sickness, conflict, and fractured relationships. But through it all joy can remain.

From the inside out, we can be changed when we choose joy. {Tweet that.}

_____________________

And speaking of #choosingJOY, here are some joys from my ongoing list :: 304. Reading first thing in the morning. 305. Yard sales on Friday! 306. … And 20-cent chapter books for Cate. 307. Grilling out three nights in a row. … 310. My kids are using the plastic lids from their popcorn chicken containers from Walmart’s deli as boats in the bathtub. Whatever works. … 312. Good mail on a day I’ve been feeling melancholy. … 314. The four of us hanging out at the lake. 315. Missing my two best local friends while they’re both out of town – so grateful for these friends and the way we do life together. 316. Home study visit done and it went well! 317. People in the community being excited for our adoption with us. … 319. Hot afternoons at the pool. 320. Playing Settlers of Catan until after midnight at the lake. 321. Having a party at the lake house even though we still aren’t “done” getting it together. 322. Shelter Point Retreat! A name for the lake house! 323. Watching Cate at horse riding lessons. 324. Cate’s excitement about church camp. …329. Soda tasting.

I’d love for my #ThreeWordWednesday friends – and any friends! – to join me in sharing joys on social media by using #choosingJOY. Instagram is my favorite place to share, but I’m on Facebook and Twitter too.
_____________________

152 Insights to My Soul

An InLinkz Link-up

Learn more about “Inside Out” at its website, Focus on the Family’s Plugged In, and IMDb.com.

I’m also linking up with Mary Carver for Works for Me Wednesday because (surprise!) kids’ movies can work for me. 

Want more insights? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Ben, Cate, JOY, movies, Three Word Wednesday, Works For Me Wednesday

Comments

  1. Karen Brown says

    June 24, 2015 at 11:23 am

    My kids saw this movie – but I haven't yet. I can't wait. What a BRILLIANT premiss. And I loved your reflection. Joy can be present with sadness, but I need reminding of that… often. Great words- thank you!

    Reply
  2. JViola79 says

    June 24, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Kristin, I love when we can learn right in the midst of our children's activities. Wonderful post!

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    June 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Happiness is fleeing; joy is lasting…at 30 years old, I am just starting to understand this. People, food, books, and so many other things can make me feel happy, but joy, I can't get that from wordly things. I haven't seen this movie, but it sounds like a great one for both kids and adults. Thanks for the encouragement to seek JOY!

    Reply
  4. Susan says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    I love when God messages show through in movies! Was this a faith-based movie? I want to see it! #choosingJOY YES, LORD!

    Reply
  5. Christi Gee says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    We saw this movie this weekend also, and I sat there writing 10 different blog posts in my head 🙂 But my top one would have been exactly what you captured: Joy and sadness coexist. Love your take on this! Hadn't realized "joy" was your word for the year, but I'm not surprised.

    Reply
  6. Beth says

    June 24, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    I just love the way Cate summed it up. Absolutely lovely! And you know I love your JOY journey. I love YOU! xoxo

    Reply
  7. Bethany Boring says

    June 24, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Oooohhh….I want to see this movie! Trying to hold out for it on DVD! Come quickly!

    Reply
  8. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    It's a good one, Bethany! Y'all will enjoy it!

    Reply
  9. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    I loved when she said that too, Beth! So glad to see you linked up today! Whoo-hoo! 🙂 Love you, friend. xoxo

    Reply
  10. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    Isn't that fun when the blog post ideas abound?! I feel like when I read books too. Thinking and learning about JOY this year has rocked my world – in a good, life-changing way. It's been neat to see God work through it. So glad you're here, Christi!

    Reply
  11. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    It wasn't officially a faith-based movie. It's a Disney/Pixar movie, but I am glad to see a movie with such a wonderful message doing so well in the theaters!

    Reply
  12. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Understanding happiness versus joy is such a process. I feel like it's been such a part of my journey the last few years – and it overflows into so many other concepts. I definitely went to see the movie for my kids, but I'm glad I did! 🙂 I'm glad you're here, Laura.

    Reply
  13. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Yes, me too! Surprise life lessons right there in the middle of entertainment are always such blessings.

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 5:44 pm

    Thank you, Karen! I hope you get to see it soon. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Ruthie Gray says

    June 24, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    I didn't jump in today (I'm at the beach!) but I did read this and loved your take on the movie. My 19 year old saw it over the weekend and loved it, she assures me I must see it too. I am just now getting that you are numbering your joy things in your posts (duh), patterned after Ann V. I'm supposing! Choosing joy since May 2014 has made a huge impact on my life!
    Hey – great, you picked a name for the Lakehouse! Yay!

    Reply
  16. Susan B. Mead says

    June 24, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Oh, so I must use this as the reason to see the movie (no kiddos at the house any more….), so thank you!

    Reply
  17. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    I'm so glad you read and commented from the beach! Yeah, I'm just keeping a list of joys on my phone and numbering them for organization sake. 🙂 And thanks for your comment on the lake house name. Have a great vacation!

    Reply
  18. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 24, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    No kids needed – go see the movie. 🙂 Enjoy it!

    Reply
  19. Sharon says

    June 24, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    I was just today telling my cousin how much I want to see this movie. I have a friend who always talks about the *committee in her head* – those voices that clamor for attention from us. The accompanying tangled emotions. And it sounds like this movie captures that idea. I love the ending *lesson* that your daughter summed up, "Joy is still there with Sadness." Oh yes. Last year my word was JOY, and the year was only 6 days old when my dad fell badly, and then died 10 days later. In the end, as I looked back, I found out that God had not necessarily given me joy (happy feelings), but He had taught it to me – that indeed it rises above circumstances, for it is based in forever.

    GOD BLESS!

    Reply
  20. Misty Wagner says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:11 am

    I loved this movie SO much… It was so deep. So much more depth than I expected… Absolutely beautiful…

    Reply
  21. Mary Carver says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:26 am

    I can't wait to see this movie! I've only heard amazing things about it! As for joy and sadness, your post is making me think about how the two are connected. Of course, I haven't seen the movie to know what it says, but I wonder…can we have true joy without ever experiencing sadness? Do we need one to have the other? I know that's not exactly what you are saying here, and I'm not sure it's what I believe. Just what I'm thinking about…

    Reply
  22. bluecottonmemory says

    June 25, 2015 at 3:49 am

    What a wonderful movie review. I wish my kids were smaller, so I'd have a good excuse to go:) Maybe I'll have to just go by myself – there's joy in that, too!

    Reply
  23. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    You should go. 🙂

    Reply
  24. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    YES! Joy and sadness are connected – the movie does a really neat job of showing that through the two characters. I do think when there is sadness to the door to joy swings wide open because we've experienced both sides and know how they're intertwined. I'm hoping there's a chapter on this in your book … 🙂

    Reply
  25. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Yes, much deeper than I expected too! Thanks for commenting, Misty!

    Reply
  26. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 25, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Yes, the movie does capture that idea – and it does it so well. I love hearing about your joy journey, Sharon!

    Reply
  27. tracey@waterintowine says

    June 26, 2015 at 2:58 am

    Hi Kristin – love your insights, love your writing style and we loved this movie too. I saw it with my two as a treat last Sunday night. I quite often have a little snooze during animated movies – kids are occupied, dark room, sitting down – no brainer – but with this movie we were all riveted – such a beautiful message, joy and sadness need each other, one enriches and gives meaning to the other. So good. Thank you !!

    Reply
  28. KristinHillTaylor says

    June 26, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    Thank YOU, Tracey!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Back to School says:
    August 29, 2016 at 9:27 am

    […] This truth that happiness and sadness can co-exist is something I learned, thanks to “Inside Out,” “The Happiness Dare” and plenty of real-life experiences. Do you remember the movie “Inside Out”? It’s such a sweet story of Joy and Sadness realizing they’re best together. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • How to enjoy motherhood
  • How & why to travel with kids
  • From snow to sand
  • Books of 2022
  • How to enjoy winter days at home

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

I needed this weekend. The UK Wildcats didn’t I needed this weekend. 

The UK Wildcats didn’t win this afternoon like I had hoped. But following our house full of people on Friday night, I’ve spent a lot of time on my couch, under a soft blanket, with a book, while I watch #MarchMadness. 

Yesterday I pulled “When We Left Cuba” by @chanelcleeton from my to-be-read stack and then realized it was the second in a series about the Perez family. Thanks to @libby.app, I was able to get “Next Year in Havana” immediately. 

I finished it today during commercials and timeouts. And now I’m going to start “When We Left Cuba” as another basketball game also gets going. 

#KHTreads #basketballseason #weekending #bookstagram #reallife #booklover #librarybooks #KindleOasis #Kindlebooks #favoritethings
What a fun night! Basketball is best with friends What a fun night! Basketball is best with friends and food. So thankful for all these provisions and others in my life. Oh and a Cats win is icing on the cake. 

#MarchMadness #weekending #basketballseason #bettertogether #choosingJOY #BigBlueNation
You know it’s #MarchMadness when Greg Taylor pos You know it’s #MarchMadness when Greg Taylor posts on Facebook — and a picture at that! — and puts his radio/TV degree to work figuring out how to improve the viewing setup. 

#reallife #basketballseason #wifelife #choosingJOY
I had no idea just how deeply I would be affected I had no idea just how deeply I would be affected while studying Genesis 1-2. Going back to the beginning and seeing how God created, ordered, and filled the earth has been exactly what I didn’t know I needed, especially as a mom. 

For quite a while now, I feel like I’ve been living a day at a time. I used to be able to see my life in larger chunks of time and anticipate and prepare accordingly. Now, I slap things on the calendar and then deal with them as they come. Navigating life with two teenagers and a first-grader is the best and hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Honestly, this moment-to-moment living has been good for me and helped me rely on the God who created the stars and rivers that still exist in our world. Focusing on where I am helps me take slower steps, trust God to provide, and remember I’m not in control. I’ve felt an internal shift with my relationships — with my husband, kids, and friends. I’ve felt behind on laundry and dishes and piles of papers. But I’ve also felt a refreshed nearness to God. 

I’m going to rest here while believing God created life and light when there was only darkness and continues to order my days. 

#livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #momlife #faithlife #preceptstudy #genesisstudy #genesis #beginnings #reallife #PorchStories
My friend @ashleelyoung told me about this memoir, My friend @ashleelyoung told me about this memoir, but I knew nothing about Sutton Foster or her story beforehand. She’s a TV actress and Broadway singer and dancer who processes her life — complicated family life, love, loss, spotlight, infertility, adoption, motherhood — by creating. She creates in the kitchen, on stages, with yarn, with paint, with her hands, and with her mind. But her story really is all the experiences and emotions that inspire her creative work. I enjoyed this one. 

#KHTreads #memoirs #bookstagram #booklover #audiobooks #audible #bookreview
Also from the weekend: Shout out to @lifehousemurr Also from the weekend: Shout out to @lifehousemurray for putting on the fabulous @beautiful.you.conference with @meggpam from @shelivespurposefully. My girl and her friends had a great time together and my momma heart is thankful this is how they chose to spend a Saturday morning. 

#momlife #girlmom #teenagers #weekending #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #latergram
Yesterday was one of my favorite kids of days with Yesterday was one of my favorite kids of days with some of my favorite friends. Kids played inside and out, the TV was never on, and new memories were made with old friends. Plus we ended the night with our ninth year of Little Hands Trivia Night. It was our worst finish ever, but we still had such a fun time! 

#bettertogether #weekending #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY
I’ve told you about Cate’s basketball season, I’ve told you about Cate’s basketball season, but we celebrated it (and the other middle and high school players) last night. What a joy, truly! She was surprise with the Lions Award for her overall approach to the game and her teammates. 

This context is basketball, but the bigger community and broader learning that happens are ultimately even more important. And, hey, middle school boys, you were also so much fun to watch! I’m so thankful Ben was part of that team. 

Shout out to the Schroeders for Tim being the coach of four teams and all the family time sacrificed as well as the other coaches and families who made it all possible. 

Give me a little break, and then I will be ready for more Lions and Lady Lions basketball to come! Scheduling for the fall and winter will start soon. 

I’m so proud to be part of New Covenant Christian Academy! 💛 @ncca.lions #momlife #girlmom #boymom #basketballseason #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY
Once again, I stayed up too late finishing a book. Once again, I stayed up too late finishing a book. 

“Half Way to You” by @jennifergoldauthor was my #FirstReads choice from Amazon this month and I dived right in. I loved it! This is a multi-generational story full of love, heartbreak, friendships that span decades, and travel. The story is told as a reclusive author shares her real story with a young podcaster who has personal and professional interest. The way the lives is woven together is brutal and beautiful. 

#KHTreads #AmazonFirstReads #bookstagram #booklover #KindleOasis #kindlebooks #readersofinstagram
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorites

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM