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