Tip#67: Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining, Part 1 - 4 Movie Tips

Optimism:
A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation

Whether you are age 6 or 60 learning all about optimism is a huge life skill to embrace. Some adults find it difficult to see the bright side of some situations especially if they were never taught that every cloud has a silver lining. That's why it is important to introduce optimism to kids when they are young.

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking about optimism at a final year assembly of William Berczy Public School. There were over 500 kids from junior kindergarten to grade 6. I hadn't spoken to a school like this since about 4 years ago because I've been focusing on adults eager to learn how to see the silver lining in their struggles in life and careers. I'm glad I gave this presentation because these kids radiated the natural positive energy children possess that some grown ups lose along the way.

Here are some inspiring movies I talked about:

Stuart Little 2 (2002)

In the animated adventure film, Stuart Little 2, the little mouse Stuart, voiced by Michael J. Fox, was sad because his mother was angry with him and his brother wouldn't play with him. Stuart's father cheered him up by telling him that, "Every cloud has a silver lining." He then explains, "It's when you can look at any situation no matter how bleak or hopeless and still see the bright side... So keep your chin up, your back straight and your heart open."

Happy Feet (2006)

In the animated musical, Happy Feet, a penguin named Mumbles, voiced by Elijah Woods, was born different from the other penguins. He was born with a special gift for dancing which he loved to do. Loving what you do is a positive feeling and remembering to do what you love can help you be more optimistic when you feel sad and alone.

Elf (2003)

In the Christmas classic, Elf, Buddy the Elf was a grown up, played by Will Ferrell, who kept his eternally optimistic inner child alive. Even though other adults thought he was strange he remained happy and playful at all times. Buddy loved to talk about happy things like asking what your favourite colour was or share his favourite 4 main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup! Treating yourself to your favourites when you are feeling down can always lift you up.

School of Rock (2003)

In the comedy, School of Rock, Jack Black plays Dewey and loves rock and roll. Dewey didn't have any money so he ended up pretending to be a supply teacher at a private school. He discovers his students have talents for playing music so he teaches them the world of rock and roll. In the end he discovers a new passion in life and that is to teach what he loves the most. So remember whatever you are passionate about makes you feel good and it will re-energize you. And sharing your passion will make others feel good too.

All of these movies can also make you laugh and that is important. Making yourself laugh will replace the frown on your face with a smile. Listening to a funny joke, watching funny movies or your pet do silly things can make you feel good.

Feeling good when things look bad is what optimism is all about. Feeling good fuels your optimism. Life goes up and down so the key is to remember that when you are at low points in your life you will always have good days again. Remaining hopeful takes practice so remember these tips:

1) Know what your favourite treats are and treat yourself when you are down
2) Do things that will make you laugh
3) Do things you love doing because they will lift you up
4) Help others to feel good and you'll feel good too

So if you ever feel hopeless, sad or alone remember the simple truth that every cloud has a silver lining. Sometimes we forget as grown ups that solutions to our problems can be very simple. All you have to do to remind yourself of this is to look through the wondrous eyes of children to rediscover that eternally optimistic kid within you.

And remember, "Keep your chin up, your back straight and your heart open!"

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Tip#188: Wear A Coat of Optimism – The Shawshank Redemption
Tip#200: How To Build Indestructible Optimism - Top 9 Movie Tips 
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Emmanuel Lopez
Life Skills & Career Development
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007