Tip#33: Dream Big! - Ellen DeGeneres

Watching the 79th Academy Awardswas a new experience as I got to attend a glitzy Oscar party hosted by Metro News here in Toronto. As I mentioned in my last blog entry I had won a ticket for two to attend this event and it was a thrill.

The Rosewater Supper Club location was gorgeous sparkling with golden lighting, chandeliers and a warm vibe everywhere. Delicious hor d'oeuvres came non-stop straight to our table and we all later received free dvd prizes. Large screens were televising the Oscars where we watched, laughed, ate and drank to our shared passion for movies.

Ellen DeGeneresdid a great job hosting the Oscars this year bringing her fun, down to earth style of comedy. That's what I enjoy about Ellenis that her personality is all about being real and relatable in a world that mostly seems untouchable. She playfully breaks down those invisible walls between superstar celebrities and the general public.

For example, during the show Ellenstrolled down an aisle of movie stars and stopped to chat with Clint Eastwood and then asked Steven Spielberg to take a photo of her and Clint. Spielberg happily obliged which the audience loved. It was a real authentic moment and Ellenbehaved like a genuine fan doing what we'd all love to do with our heroes and idols. And she did it in the middle of the Academy Awards where over a billion people around the world watched live. I loved it!

Dreams Come True

Ellenmentioned at the start of the show that it was her dream since she was a little girl to host the Oscars. Hearing her say that was inspiring as it always was when anyone mentions their dreams coming true as they accept their awards. It shows us that anyone can dream big and make it come true. It also reminds us all that famous and successful people are flesh and blood like you and I.

The next day Ellenhad a live post Oscars show on her talk show and shared candid footage of her preparing to host the Oscars. There was a point where she got emotional because it had dawned on her that her dream of hosting the Oscars was coming true. She confessed later how overwhelmed and blessed she felt that people believed in her so much that she could take on such a huge task.

Let Ellen,dream come true inspire your own big dreams. Imagine that all your heroes and idols successes are mirrors for your own future. Eliminate those invisible walls that you have between you and famous role models you admire and respect. Visualizing where you want to be is a primary key to using the law of attraction.

Ellenhas become a new hero for me now and her Oscar dream come true now fuels my own dream of being at the Academy Awardsone day. And when I'm there I'll have to ask Spielberg to take a picture of me and Ellenduring the show! Afterall, you really have nothing to lose for dreaming big.

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#32: Law of Attraction, Part 2 - Start Small - The Secret

Using the law of attraction is like learning any new skill. Start with small steps and get inspired by real-life success stories.

The Secret (2006)

The movie The Secret is a series of interviews with experts in various fields of personal growth demonstrating the use of the law of attraction to manifest our dreams and goals.

The Secretmovie was featured on the Oprahshow on February 8, 2007. Now more people would have discovered that the law of attraction can be a real tool for changing one's life forever. And from my experience watching The Secretmy successes for attracting what I've wanted have only come from being MORE CONSCIOUS of my thoughts and feelings. And equally important I started with small steps for small goals. Here are some examples...

Parking Spaces:

I smiled during the scene in The Secretwhen it featured attracting parking spaces because I've been practicing the same thing for years. I always visualized and asked my "parking angels" for a parking space exactly where I wanted it and when. And it worked 9 out of 10 times. Plus I always said thank you afterwards. I found that parking spots weren’t quick to find the next time if I didn't say thank you!

DVD's:

After I saw The Secretfor the first time I started to practice on something small and specific like a dvd. I visualized the movie I wanted, which was As Good As It Gets,as a new and unused dvd. I even put a specific price of $10 knowing that most unused dvd's cost more than that. Well soon afterwards my eye caught the cover of the dvd in a store with a price tag of 2 for $20. Usually that means that individually they were more than $10. So I did a price check and to my surprise it was $10 individually. Did my eyes bug out? Oh yeah.

Snow Boots:

I had been shopping for new snow boots and wasn't finding anything I had been picturing. I was visualizing simple black leather boots that weren't too bulky and that were warm, light and zip ups. Then I remembered that I had to ask for them consciously as part of the law of attraction process. A few days later I felt guided to a networking event party in a part of Toronto I don’t usually go to. I wasn't enjoying the event so I left early. I walked by a shoe store nearby and decided to walk in.

Well do I even have to say what I found in there? It was the exact kind of boots I'd been looking for and even under the price range I visualized! I was thrilled! This was during December of last year when we had no snow in Toronto and I really wanted to try out my new boots. When we finally got snow in mid January I wondered if I manifested that snowfall too!

Winning A Contest Prize:

I wanted to especially share this example because tonight is the 79th Academy Awards show and I am still amazed I magnetized this goal. A few weeks ago I saw a copy of the daily Toronto Metro News and they had a contest for their Metro Movie Awards Gala the night of the Academy Awards. I'd been wanting to do something different for watching the Oscars (which I enjoy every year) and this sounded great.

So I visualized enjoying myself with a guest at this Metro News event taking place at the Rosewater Supper Club. And this was easy because I'd already been to the venue it was being held at and knew they had delicious food! I then went online and entered the contest holding that vision and the feel good feelings. Three days ago I got a call from the Metro News congratulating me on winning a ticket for 2 for this event.

Manifest More

So start small when using the law of attraction. Believe that it can work. Believe that it is real. I'm sure you already have your own experiences but only considered them as just coincidences. You have to move beyond that mindset if you want to truly manifest more of what you want into your life.

Become more AWAKE when applying the law of attraction methods and remember that it takes ongoing practice. This can be a really fun, new world of experiences if that's what you want to attract.

Read more about law of attraction:
Tip#9: Law of Attraction – The Secret

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#31: Be Inspired By Local Heroes - 2 Movie Tips

I often talk about my favourite movie heroes and how inspiring it is to see how they’ve overcome their challenges. And yet all over the world there are ordinary people with great stories demonstrating they are heroes in their own way. So it makes me proud to be a Torontonian when a local man named Peter Silverman stood out in the news recently with his bravery caught on video for the world to see.

I caught the news the day after the footage first aired on CityTV in Toronto on Feb 7th. TV journalist, Silverman was filmed being attacked by an optician he had been investigating and the scenes were shocking and riveting. At the age of 75, Silverman displayed such bravery for standing his ground and protecting his cameraman as the optician threw punches, a doormat and spit on him like an animal.

Eventually the police and the emergency task force had to come in and apprehend the optician who had barricaded himself in his store. And all this taking place not too far from my office. Three days later the news had hit CNN with the witty title, 'Quite A Spectacle'.

For years Silverman has been an inspiration to me and everyone who's watched his TV segments of 'Silverman Helps' since 1989. All he did was help local individuals find justice with people who have unfairly taken their money or broken contracts. The dramatic confrontations were caught on video and Silverman always displayed confidence and courage.

Mr. Deeds Goes To Town (1936)

This reminded me of classic Frank Capra movies like Mr. Deeds Goes To Town and Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.They all show an ordinary man showing extraordinary strength and courage when the time came for them to stand their ground. Mr. Deeds, played by Gary Cooper, inherits millions of dollars and decides to give it to people in need. Even in the face of being framed for appearing mentally unstable for his behaviour, Mr. Deeds eventually fights to prove he is of sound mind. He had an inner strength that allowed him to persevere.

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)

In Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, starring James Stewart, he stands his ground in the American senate to expose political corruption in Washington. Despite incredible opposition from all the senate members, the press, corrupt politicians and business men, Mr. Smith remains defiant to be heard. He believed in his values throughout a long and grueling standoff. Mr. Smith demonstrated indestructible optimism that inspires!

That's what knowing your values is all about. Remaining true to your morals and ethics. These movie heroes stood their ground because they believed deeply in something and simply want to help others who are unable to help themselves. Capra classics as well as the Silverman video can motivate us all to be better, caring individuals.

So be inspired by your local heroes who go out of their way to help others. Believe that you too have the 'hero gene' waiting to be activated inside you. You can start by assisting someone who needs help on or off a bus. Or hold a door open for someone who has their arms full. Take a few seconds to help someone who is lost. Or even give away your prepaid parking slip to the next driver if there’s still time left.

Be a local hero for someone today. These little selfless acts can make a big difference in someone’s day. The other person will end up feeling good and so will you.

What makes a king out of a slave? Courage!
What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage!
What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage!
What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage!
What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage!
Cowardly Lion, The Wizard of Oz

SEE THE SILVERMAN VIDEO ONLINE:
Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#30: The Sensual Sounds of 'Spiritual Chocolate': Part 4 of 4

Most people know me as an illustrator or a motivational speaker so this is a perfect time to mention that I am also passionate about song writing, composing music and recording. One song I wrote called "Spiritual Chocolate" is an 8 minute love song for chocolate and chocolate martinis.

If you love chocolate and never had a chocolate martini I highly recommend you try this crystal clear liquid of cocoa love! Or just listen to my song and you will receive the same bliss that I experienced translated into a delicious, sensual soundscape.

Synchronicity

The making of "Spiritual Chocolate" is an amazing, synchronistic story. After sampling my first chocolate martini at the time, I was compelled to translate the amazing taste experience through my music keyboard to create the sexiest, liquidy groove I possibly could. Picture swimming with a loved one in a huge lava lamp made with oozing, bubbly warm chocolate and you'll start to get the feeling.

One day a musician friend came by the studio and listened to a rough mix and said I needed some warm vibes on it. So he started playing a vibraphone solo while my track was playing in the background. His performance sounded so good it was as if an angel was playing through him. I immediately pressed the record button and what ended up on the final recording is exactly what he played that day.

Sexy French Accent

Then, on the day I was going into the studio to record this song for my debut album, "Rain of Angels" I called up an old girlfriend of mine who I always thought had a sexy french accent. I asked if she could perform some sensual musings on my track and she said yes but she was about to return to Montreal in 2 days.

Synchronistically she was free the very next day and she ended up in the recording studio with me. To my surprise she threw out the lyrics I had written and just let the music play on her headset and allowed her sensual thoughts flow through her full french lips. Her performance was delicious!

Airplay

In the end I remember my musician friend say that "Spiritual Chocolate" would never play on the radio because it was over 8 minutes long. Well it wasn't long after that he was proven wrong because the song became one of two instrumental tracks off the "Rain of Angels" album that received regular airplay on several radio stations including Galaxie CBC Radio. How's that for just expressing my passion for chocolate and chocolate martinis! You never know what doors will open when you express your personal interests.

So I hope this series of chocolate stories has inspired you to start sharing your own passions more. Always remember that expressing your passions can initiate a cascade effect of synchronicities leading to unexpected joys in your life. All you have to do is unlock your strong feelings for something you value no matter what anyone else thinks or says.

Pleasantville (1998)

Check out the fantasy comedy movie, Pleasantvillebecause it's all about unleashing your true feelings and passions. The wonderful metaphor in this fantasy story is that the people in this black & white world of 'Pleasantville' start to turn full colour when they release their true inner feelings.

Learn to express your own true self a little more each day. Share what excites you with others. Chocolate is just one of many passions people can share with one another. What other passions do you have?

"You can't stop something that's inside you."
Pleasantville

"To deny our own impulses is to deny the very thing that makes us human."
The Matrix

"Forget love - I'd rather fall in chocolate!!!"
Sandra J. Dykes

"Come with me my love, come with me, my chocolate..."
Spiritual Chocolate, Rain of Angels

• LISTEN TO SPIRITUAL CHOCOLATE: Click here for song sample
• MORE INFO on Rain of Angels music cd | Self help tool: Click here

Read Part 1: Click here
Read Part 2: Click here
Read Part 3: Click here
Read Part 4: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#29: Share Your Passion for Chocolate: Part 3 of 4

Happy Valentine's Day!

For over 20 years as an illustrator I have made some great connections and even attracted illustration work from sharing and expressing my love for chocolate. Chocolate, it seems, can be a powerful magnet for unexpected opportunities. Here are some highlights of my experiences to inspire you to express your own passions and other personal interests to the world...


Toblerone Chocolate connection:

When I started illustrating professionally after graduating from art college I knew intuitively how to market my style within a sea of other great illustrators. I simply illustrated my passion for Tobleronechocolate and had it printed as a promotional ad in a national illustration directory book.

I grew up loving that triangular box as well as that delicious milk chocolate and nougat taste. So I put that happy feeling into the illustration of a little boy joyfully holding up a huge, towering version of the Tobleronebox.

When the ad/book was released to art directors and graphic designers across Canada I soon received several commissions for doing Tobleroneads. It was an exciting reward for expressing a passion that would help establish my profession as an illustrator with a fun and tasty style!



Ganong Chocolate connection:

I’ve been lucky enough to get invited, for the past few years, to GanongChocolate’s annual Toronto Christmas party. What a thrilling evening it was the first time I entered the cozy restaurant venue called Sugar surrounded by dozens of chocolate boxes opened up on tables. All those colours, shapes and sizes of chocolate morsels was a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Plus I got to meet Bryana Ganongheiress to Canada’s oldest chocolate company since 1873. It was exciting because it felt like meeting a princess of chocolate land! The second year I attended they introduced ‘Fruitfull au chocolat’ which became one of my new favourites. It was like a chocolate fondue with pieces of fruit dipped in rich dark chocolate. Mmm, did I make a new connection there!


Stubbe Chocolates connection:

A few years ago I had an art college friend of mine introduce me to her new boyfriend, Daniel Stubbe who owned Stubbe Chocolates here in Toronto. The first party I was invited to at his chocolate shop was a real treat because he later asked me and some other guests to try his latest chocolate truffle creation. He didn’t have to twist my arm! There he held out a large tray with rows and rows of these magnificent truffles. My eyes and tongue were swelling with delight! What can I say? They were absolutely delicious.

Recently I was asked to illustrate a store moving post card for them. Since I was drawing truffles for the promo I asked for specific truffle samples which I needed as models and Daniel happily obliged. Later my mouth happily obliged to get rid of the evidence.

Chicken Mole connection:

During a recent keynote presentation I talked about the tantalizing recipe for a classic mexican dish, Chicken Molewhich combines chocolate and chili peppers. Chili peppers is another food, like chocolate that stimulates the endorphin rush in our brains (see tip#27). One woman excitedly shared where you could get a great serving of Chicken Moleat a restaurant surprisingly close to my office in downtown Toronto.

In that moment I made a pause in my presentation and in front of everyone walked over to her. We introduced ourselves, smiled and I thanked her for the recommendation. I then took a moment to get the audience to acknowledge the connection I just made with this woman. I simply shared my passion and excitement for something and I made an instant connection with her and learned something new.

So become more aware of how expressing your passions with others can magnetize unexpected opportunities. Practice expressing your personal interests more in an email or letter to friends and family, slip it into a conversation or apply it into some creative form for the world to see. For some it takes practice being more authentic and communicating what you value most in the world.

And believe that synchronicity is always at work whenever you express yourself. What you value has value to someone somewhere. Passion is a positive energy meant to be shared!

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
Oprah Winfrey

“Passion, I see, is catching.”
William Shakespeare

“I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter.”
Author unknown

“Exercise is a dirty word... Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.”
Author unknown

Read Part 1: Click here
Read Part 2: Click here
Read Part 3: Click here
Read Part 4: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007

Tip#28: Childhood Memories of Chocolate: Part 2 of 4 - Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

This is part 2 of my timeless, passionate love affair with chocolate which I have loved ever since I was a kid. And yes, these days I always have chocolate in my home and workplace because a delicious piece can jumpstart and re-energize me instantly. Luckily, I've learned to indulge in moderation and that is the key to my successful long term relationship with chocolate!

Growing up I remember my favourite chocolates were being Kit Kat and Nestle's Crunch Bar. As I got older I tried all kinds of chocolate and now count Lindor, Ganong and Toblerone as a constant in my home. Of course any european chocolate are outstanding choices with truffles being the ultimate and decadent chocolate experience for me. I save truffles for truly special occasions.

It wasn't just the taste of chocolate I loved, it was the packaging as well. I loved the crinkling sound of the tinfoil wrapping of the original Nestle's Crunch bar. The gentle metallic tinkle that came from opening that inner wrapper always heralded the delicious chocolate I was about to taste. Hearing the crinkle sound became part of the ritual of the chocolate bar experience.

I remember in my 20's writing a letter with my sister to Nestle's expressing our love for that crinkle sound and they responded with a thank you letter and coupons to get more chocolate. It was an unexpected bonus for just sharing something that meant a lot to us.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

In the fantasy musical movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factorystarring Gene Wilder, I remember loving the wonderful packaging design of the Wonka bar. The colours of the outside wrapper, the elegant font and the tin foil inner wrapping will always represent my timeless passion for the chocolate bars I grew up with.

It was fun to watch how little Charlie treated the precious few chocolate bars he could afford, the way he delicately unwrapped the chocolate and savoured each bite. And, of course, I loved the magical, shiny look of the golden tickets. I always wanted to find a golden ticket like that in the chocolate bars I would open after seeing that movie.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

When they released Tim Burton's version called, Charlie and the Chocolate Factorystarring Johnny Depp, the ushers handed out free chocolate samples after the theatre screening. I thought it was a great marketing move although I wasn't going to try it because it was a Kinder product. I had tasted Kinder Surprise chocolate (with the toy inside) and thought it was like eating waxy brown plastic.

Thankfully I gave the free sample a try and was very surprised to taste a very creamy, liquidy and crisp new taste sensation! It's delicate tube shaped design was sectioned off nicely so you can enjoy small bites at a time. I have to admit I now indulge now and then with this delectable discovery called Kinder Bueno.

So keep your happy childhood memories of chocolate alive today and treat yourself once in awhile. Taking a bite of your favourite chocolate can take you back to a time when all was good in the world and every day was an adventure.

Remember that eating chocolate is a multi sensory experience for not only the mouth but your ears, nose and eyes. Let it lift up your soul with it's timeless qualities.

"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces."
Judith Viorst, Author

"Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get."
Forrest Gump

"No other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall. But it's the only way if you want it just... right."
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Read Part 1: Click here
Read Part 2: Click here
Read Part 3: Click here
Read Part 4: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007