Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Tip#195: Life Affirming Things - The Sound of Music


The news still continues to report the turmoil of the stock market in the US and around the world. And it can get you down if you let it. Just remember that there are other thoughts you can focus on that will lift your spirits.

Last night I attended the live performance of The Sound of Music here in Toronto. Immediately upon starting, the music and the lyrics of these classic songs reached deep into me and triggered emotions that were both sad and profoundly joyful.

It reminded me of happy times as a child and of falling asleep halfway through The Sound of Music movie in the theatre with my mom and dad. I thought about my dad who has since passed away and how I missed him. I thought about how my personal life today was not how it was suppose to be and that I still have dreams I want to come true.

I grew up loving the songs from the movie The Sound of Music and as an adult was surprised to discover how fantastic this film was on so many levels. The music, performances and cinematography were all so engaging. And last night's live performance made me realize how life affirming the story was.

My Favourite Things

I was amazed to hear the song My Favourite Things again in the new light of being a motivational speaker because it relates to one of my core topics of identifying your passions. The song is about remembering your favourite things because they can lift your spirits up when you are feeling down…

"When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favourite things and then I don't feel so bad."


I grew up with these simple lyrics and didn't realize the full power of them. It was only after going through my mid-life challenges did I see that identifying what I am passionate about can fuel me during challenging times.

And so after feeling a little melancholy from seeing the live show I just remembered my favourite things like movies and enjoyed the thought of watching my DVD of The Sound of Music again to take me to another life affirming world for awhile.

So remember that you can lift yourself up anytime by remembering your favourite things. Think about the little things you loved growing up. Think about the little things today that make you feel good. What are your favourite songs? Or your favourite foods?

Whatever your favourites are they are here to remind you that they have the power to activate your optimism and the positive energy already inside you.

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Motivational Man.

You make me feel that nostalga too as I remember my childhood. I was a school child when I first saw The Sound of Music.

The hills are alive and how do you solve the problem of Maria. ....I will always remember the joy of watching that movie.

Thank you friend you are the best motivation for immigrants as you give them hope,good cheer and courage to lift their spirits.

Aklima

Anonymous said...

Yes sir...this has always been one of my favourites and I never really thought about why. The music is fantastic though.

James