RAK ON: What Inside Out 2 Taught Me About Anxiety and Self-Talk
Dr. Rak ("rock" here).
This past weekend, my family and I watched Inside Out 2, now the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. The film explores how Riley, the main character, navigates new emotions, particularly anxiety and the negative self-talk that comes with it. This feels particularly relevant to me as I reflect on my journey of starting and running a new business.
After working in corporate medicine for 12 years, I left to work at a startup focused on providing Lifestyle Medicine care, and I loved that job. Helping people come off medications and reverse chronic disease and leading group visits was incredibly fulfilling, seemingly the most rewarding work I had ever done.
When the startup lost funding last fall, I found myself at a crossroads. I asked myself what I truly wanted to do. I knew I was meant to continue the work I was passionate about, and now I had to figure out how. That's how RAK Your Life was born. I decided to build something from scratch, navigating the many challenges of entrepreneurship.
Ask any entrepreneur; building a business is no small feat. There is much I don't know, and doing most things on my own can be overwhelming. Anxiety has been a constant companion, and while it often feels like a hurdle, it also serves a purpose.
Anxiety can help keep us accountable and push us to move forward to accomplish our goals. However, if we don't keep it in check and let it take over the 'control panel,' it becomes problematic for our health and quality of life.
In the movie, Riley's anxiety leads to negative self-talk and feelings of inadequacy. Similarly, when faced with the immense task of building my business, I sometimes catch myself thinking, "Am I really capable of doing this?" or "What if I'm not good enough?"
This realization brought home an essential lesson from the movie: the way we speak to ourselves matters. Negative self-talk can deepen our anxiety, but speaking kindly to ourselves helps us manage stress and stay resilient.
Recognizing this, I am working on catching my negative self-talk and reframing my limiting beliefs. For example, when I catch myself thinking, "I don't know what I'm doing," I remind myself of the skills I've developed and the progress I've made over the past eight months. I replace that thought with, "I'm learning and growing every day, and that's what matters."
So, let's RAK Our Week by recognizing that life's unpredictability can be overwhelming. Showing ourselves grace helps us navigate the ups and downs with compassion and resilience. We’re all doing our best, and that’s enough.
Roots Reflection 🌳:
Am I aware of my self-talk? Take some time to notice the tone and content of your inner dialogue. How does it affect your emotions and actions?
Awareness Action 🧘🏾:
This week, make it a point to catch your negative self-talk and reframe it with something positive and empowering. For example, when you catch yourself thinking, "I don't know what I'm doing," remind yourself, "I'm learning and growing every day, and that's what matters."
Kindness Opportunity 💖:
Write out positive affirmations for yourself and post them where you can see them regularly, such as on your bathroom mirror. In time, these affirmations will become your new self-talk, fostering new beliefs and ultimately shaping your reality.
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Episode 32: Plant-Based Power to the People with Jill and Jeffrey Dalton. Dr. Rak and Po are thrilled to welcome Jill and Jeffrey Dalton from The Whole Food Plant-Based Cooking Show. With nearly 400,000 YouTube subscribers and two bestselling cookbooks, the Daltons have been transforming kitchens and lives for nine years with their delicious plant-based recipes. In this episode, they share their journey from facing significant health challenges to embracing a whole-food, plant-based diet. They discuss their adventurous move to New Zealand, their dietary experiments, and the pivotal moment they discovered Dr. Fuhrman's "Eat to Live." The Daltons offer practical tips for making plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable, emphasizing the importance of involving kids in cooking. They also explore how their Bahá'í faith influences their commitment to service, community, and integrity. This inspiring conversation is packed with heartfelt stories and practical advice, perfect for anyone looking to embrace a healthier, plant-based lifestyle. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
Episode 31: James Wilks is on a Mission to Change the World. In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak welcomes James Wilks, former MMA fighter, elite Special Forces trainer, and the mastermind behind the groundbreaking documentary The Game Changers. James shares his incredible journey from overcoming severe knee injuries to revolutionizing the conversation around plant-based nutrition. The film, viewed by over 200 million people, challenges longstanding myths about meat and athletic performance, showcasing the powerful benefits of plant-based eating. In their conversation, Dr. Rak and James delve into the making of the documentary, the challenges faced, and the impact it has had on public perception. They also discuss the exciting sequel, The Game Changers 2, and James's ongoing mission to combat misinformation in the nutrition industry. James also shares the vision and mission of his innovative plant-based protein company, FȲTA. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health, fitness, and the transformative power of a plant-based diet. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
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Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to hit reply or join the RAK ON chat and share a bit of your world. Or pass this message along to someone who could use a boost of Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness in their life.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽