Tip#317: What’s Your New Year’s Wish? - Shorts

Looking over 2009 I feel so excited and grateful that many of my wishes had come true. Some actually felt like miracles because I was able to overcome seemingly impossible business challenges through helpful events or people that magically appeared.

This blog has been documenting many of these amazing situations for over 3 years. It's about being open to synchronicity and the law of attraction that can be harnessed to manifest the realities that you want. My goal has always been to inspire you the reader in deliberately creating the life or career you desire.

During one of many holiday gatherings I was introduced to The Circle concept written by bestselling author Laura Day. It is similar to other law of attraction teachings wherein you draw a circle and write down your wish in the centre. On the outside you write all your obstacles to that wish. The idea is to FOCUS on the inner circle and feel good feelings of your wish as if you already have it in your life. See a short video of Laura Day talking about The Circle: See video

Shorts 2009

The family movie Shorts tells a fun story about what happens when kids in one neighbourhood find a magic wishing rock. The concept brings up the excitement of what you would do if you had your own wishing rock. Some of the wishes the kids ask for include: unlimited chocolate bars, crocodile armies, rocket bikes and inventions that work.

This childlike wonder and imagination are key to making your own wishes come true in the adult world. When you're a kid anything is possible and that mindset is important to keep alive throughout your life. Miracles happen because you make them happen.

Bedtime Stories 2008

A year ago at this holiday time I saw another movie about wishes coming true called Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler. The story is about Skeeter, a hotel handyman, who tells bedtime stories to his niece and nephew. And whenever these kids finish off his stories they come true the next day. Skeeter later realizes that he can make his own wishes come true.

Though these movies are designed for children they have powerful messages that we ALL can create the lives and situations we dream about. These movies are reminders that our imaginations are powerful and all we have to do is believe that magic is real and anything can happen in real life.

So activate your imagination and make a wish for the new year of 2010. Believe that magic is real and wishes can come true. Picture the wish you have in your mind and then FEEL the feel good feelings of having it right now!

My wish right now is for your wishes to come true in 2010. Have a happy and exciting new year!

And please let me know what your new year's wish is. I'd love to hear from you.

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#316: Stay Positive Even In The Rain – Julie & Julia

I just had the most surrealistic Christmas Day ever. It started in the afternoon of Dec. 24th when I answered a Twitter message that went out from a news reporter at CityTV, a major TV network here in Toronto. She was looking for a movie blogger in town who wanted to talk movies at 5:30pm Christmas Day at their TV studios.

As a movie blogger I thought I was perfect for this and actually had been dreaming about talking about movies that motivate on TV. Though, in this case, it would mean leaving a family Christmas dinner to do this. So I sent a twitter message back with a link to my blog saying I was interested. She responded asking if I'd be interested in talking about movies opening on Christmas day like Sherlock Holmes, Nine, etc.

I answered yes and asked what do I do next. Now this was Christmas Eve and by 4:45pm Christmas day still received no response. So I took the initiative and went down to the TV studios in the pouring rain. If this was a challenge from the universe asking me how badly I wanted this dream then I was going to take it!

I arrived around 5:05pm and was shocked to find the TV studio building locked with no one inside. In fact there were no signs of life anywhere that I could see through any of the windows of any of the floors. Despite this unexpected situation I felt no anger that I had traveled through the cold rain on Christmas day when I could have stayed warm surrounded by family.

This was a dream opportunity and it was worth taking a risk because movies were my passion and someone wanted what value I had to share.

Julie & Julia 2009

There was a key scene that mirrored my experience from the movie Julie & Julia based on 2 true stories of famed chef Julia Child and Julie Powell who wrote a blog about her passion for food and Julia Child.

There is a scene when Julie (Amy Adams) gets a call from a writer who wants to bring the editor responsible for getting Julia Child published to dinner with Julie. This was a big step for Julie in making her dream come true of getting closer to Julia Child.

Julie takes great initiative to make this evening the best evening possible. Unfortunately the weather turns into pouring rain and the writer calls to cancel. Julie is crushed. But eventually she picks herself back up and continues to push forward with her passion. She remained optimistic and eventually the New York Times called and her blog became a bestselling book and a big Hollywood movie.

Focus on the Positives

Remaining optimistic is how I felt about what happened to me on Christmas Day. I chose to focus on the positives that now someone at a major TV station knows about my blog and my passion for discussing movies. Despite being left out in the rain I celebrated this as a little Christmas gift.

So if something you wanted arrives and suddenly gets taken away from you do your best to focus on the positives. Do your best not to dwell on the negatives that's right in front of you. Look beyond it. Stay optimistic and you will automatically keep yourself open to other opportunities right around the corner!

"What you focus on expands."
Napoleon Hill

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#315: You Are Never Alone at Christmas – Noel movie

Christmas time can be a very different experience for each person. Past events shape how you perceive this holiday time that can test your faith and courage.

I recently attended an uplifting Christmas concert with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Mississauga Choral Society and the famed Canadian Brass. The live, grand renditions of Deck the Halls, We Three Kings and White Christmas filled my heart and soul with a wonderful warm glow!

And I remembered the Canadian Brass years ago from my childhood when they visited my public school to play for us. Hearing them play again comforted my heart since I had been thinking about my dad who had passed away just before Christmas several years ago (see tip#313 for more).

Noel 2004

The movie Noel is a unique Christmas movie I recently discovered that mirrors what it is like to feel alone this time of year. I was surprised I had never heard of this hidden gem with a star-studded cast that included Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Robin Williams, Paul Walker and Alan Arkin. This film is all about characters that experience Christmas in unique and very personal ways.

Sarandon's character is single learning to deal with Christmas time alone while caring for a hospitalized mother. Cruz's character separates from her fiancé on Christmas eve. And her fiancé, played by Walker, has a strange and profound encounter with Arkin's character that would result in a life-changing experience.

In the end they each find someone that helps them keep moving forward and believe that the pain they feel will pass.

Have Faith and Courage

So if you are one of those individuals where Christmas is not all warm and filled with family and friends know that you are not alone. There is at least one person somewhere that cares about you. Have faith and courage that you are never alone at Christmas.

Listen to holiday music that has always made you feel good. Let the rhythm and melodies re-energize your heart and soul. That music is there to remind you that whatever hurt you are feeling will pass. And always remember, you are never alone.

I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays wherever you are reading this and hope you find much happiness during this holiday time. See my special holiday greeting: Here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#314: Step Outside Your World For Awhile - Avatar

The solutions you seek for your career or life challenges are sometimes right in front of you. You just have to step outside your own world in order to see them.

I am having the most amazing month! Business wise this has been the busiest December in many, many years and I believe it's because of all the personal and professional development I’ve doing on expanding my optimistic mindset. It feels amazing!

And it's because I decided years ago to step outside my own world in order to learn brand new ways of thinking. Taking this path involves a lot of faith, trust and courage because the only way to break out of old, ineffective ways of thinking is to step out of your comfort zone.

Avatar 2009

The 3-D movie Avatar is an astonishing world that can inspire you step outside of your comfort zone. It is one of the most incredible cinematic experiences I have ever had because I felt fully immersed on an alien planet for almost 3 hours!

Thanks to famed director James Cameron, he has created a world so realistic that you will forget that it is mostly computer generated images. The creatures and plant life are so rich in imagination, texture and colours. And the 10 foot tall, blue alien race characters are stunning to watch.

The story takes place in the future where Jake (Sam Worthington) can have his mind placed into an "avatar" or another host body resembling the alien race called the Na'vi. His mission is to gain information on how the military and corporation he works for can mine precious materials from under where the Na'vi live.

What Jake ends up discovering is a deeper appreciation of how others live and think. He discovers the sacred beauty the Na'vi see in all living things and how they are all connected. By stepping into this alien world Jake expanded his mind and heart and ultimately his own humanity.

New Possibilities

The movie hero literally stepped out of his comfort zone and in doing so realized a whole new way of thinking beyond his old life. And that is the magic of movies, they can open your thoughts to new ideas and visions. Movies help you step outside your existing world and imagine new possibilities and opportunities.

Changing old habits of thinking does take time. Though if you have faith, trust and courage you will be rewarded with exciting new solutions to your challenges and problems.

Take a step into a new experience today. If it feels uncomfortable that is a good sign. You are on your way to the answers you seek!

ATTENTION ENTREPRENEURS & BUSINESS OWNERS!
GET GREAT MARKETING-PROMOTIONAL IDEAS FOR AN EXCITING NEW YEAR:
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#313: Believe In Magic During The Holidays - The Shiny Dimes - The Family Stone

A magical thing happened to me recently. This past Sunday, I was compelled to go to a nearby Starbucks early in the morning around 7:15am. No one was there and I went straight to the counter where something shiny caught my eye on the floor. It was a shiny dime.

I have written before in tip#145 that whenever I find a shiny dime that I feel it is a message my dad is still with me. He had passed away without warning back in December of 2000. I felt a flush rush over me and somehow knew that the latest shiny dime was an extra powerful message from my father.

I didn't fully realize the significance of the message until that night when I remembered the very next day was the anniversary of my dad's passing. I cried at the epiphany. I felt he was telling me that he is still very much here warming me with his love.

That next day I was compelled to change all my online photos of myself on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and all my promotional materials and website: See here

People have been telling me that I look more and more like my father as I grow older and I admit that my new photos do show this. So I believe the shiny dime was a special Christmas message for me to show my new photo to the world and that my dad was around in more ways than one.

The Family Stone 2005

The movie, The Family Stone, is a special film for me because it represents the magical things that can happen at Christmas despite profound sadness. The film is about a family's memorable Christmas gathering and the universal issues and comedies that occur in many families when they get together for the holidays.

Relationships are tested among the family as well as the woman (Sarah Jessica Parker) one son (Dermot Mulroney) brings home as his fiancé. The story is also about how a family deals with an unexpected terminal illness of a loved one in the mother (Diane Keaton). For that aspect this is a special movie for those, like myself, who have lost someone close during the Christmas holiday.

"I'd hate to see you not find what you really want."

In the end this film celebrates unexpected holiday magic. It's about believing that anything can happen and that miracles do exist especially in loving relationships. And if this is a special time of year for you then you can also rekindle the positive memories of Christmases past to energize your spirit.

Believe in holiday magic. And if you receive magical signs, like shiny dimes, it could be a message that the loved ones you've lost are still with you and loving you.

Synchronicity Note:
The date of the shiny dime I recently found was 2005. That is the same year The Family Stone movie came out and when I first saw it in a theatre with my mom at Christmas!

Related Tips:
Tip#145: Believe in the Impossible - Ghost
Tip#313: Believe In Magic During The Holidays - The Family Stone
Tip#638: Praying, Faith & Indestructible Optimism - Unconditional
Tip#665: Your Greatness, Purpose & Focus – Man of Steel
Tip#740: The Timeless Love of a Dad, Dog & Son - Mr. Peabody & Sherman


Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#312: Enjoy the Little Things - Zombieland

Do you want a sure-fire method of re-energizing your mind? Then remember to enjoy the little things in life. They can lift your spirits in a heartbeat!

I loved Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies growing up. And though I have had many different kinds of delicious chocolate chip cookies over the years nothing can match the FEEL GOOD energy I remember from the aroma and taste of Pillsbury cookies!

So after many years I recently treated myself to these fabulous cookies and they were as delicious and blissful as I remembered as a kid. So hot, chewy and crispy all at the same time. My mind and spirit lifted into the stratosphere with the re-igniting of these nostalgic memories. Check out this Pillsbury commercial from the 80's starring a very young Drew Barrymore: See

It is empowering when you are mindful of the things you loved or loved doing growing up. These are incredible resources always at hand to energize you whenever you are feeling down or overwhelmed with life.

Zombieland 2009

The movie Zombieland is an over-the-top gore-filled comedy about a young man who shares his rules for surviving a world infested with zombies. One of those rules is "Rule #32 - Enjoy the little things". And despite the unusual type of movie presenting this idea it is still a universal truth for anyone.

Throughout the story a fellow survivor named Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is on a perpetual search for Hostess Twinkies. Why? He simply loves Twinkies! And even though he is chased by zombies in a world gone mad, Tallahassee remains grounded with the thought of a little thing he loved.

Your Positive Emotional Energy

So remember to enjoy the little things in life because they are a powerful source of energy. Positive emotional energy that flows through you can lead to a productive workday or the catalyst to help you focus on whatever you need to achieve.

Tap into the FEEL GOOD memories of childhood treats. Remember old hobbies and things you use to collect that still excite you. There is something in your past that will activate your positive energy right now!

Other recommended blog articles:

Tip#8: Celebrate The Little Things Like 'Elf'
Tip#164: Increase Your Positive Emotional Energy - Kung Fu Panda
Tip#248: 7 Positive Emotions That Energize – Stranger Than Fiction

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#311: Be Open to Magical Messages, Part 1 - Serendipity movie

Sometimes when you are feeling lost in your work, career or life magical messages of encouragement will appear when you need it most. All you have to do is see or hear what’s right in front of you.

During the current business challenges I'd been writing in my previous blog tips (tip#308 and tip#309) my faith and belief were being tested. I felt stuck with the obstacles I was facing. As always there were movies I discovered to help motivate me. There were also 3 magical messages of encouragement.

Magical Message #1

I recently had an amazing week giving several social media talks here in Toronto. At one presentation an attending friend and colleague gave me a gift she said she was compelled to purchase and give me. She gave me this beautiful silver heart-shaped Christmas ornament with the word BELIEVE written on it.

Magical Message #2

During another presentation I was talking about how fast you can connect with people on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. An attendee shared something that amazed the audience and myself. She had been tweeting on her smart phone about my seminar. and soon after she announced that someone I knew from high school responded to her twitter message saying, "Emmanuel was one of the people that taught me how to draw and airbrush at Canada’s Wonderland!!!"

The attendee's name who shared this message was FAITH!

Magical Message #3

Finally, during that same week a university student had contacted me wanting to interview me about my success stories with Twitter. I later asked him how he found my name. He said he did a search online with the keywords "Toronto media expert". My expertise in social media was already in search engines online. I was excited!

To me these were all empowering messages encouraging me to BELIEVE and have FAITH that everything will work out. I also felt strongly that the universe was reminding me that I am an expert in the field of social media and networking even when I have my doubts.

Serendipity 2001

The movie Serendipity celebrates magical signs and having the faith to follow them. Serendipity is defined by Kate Beckinsale’s character Sara as "a fortunate accident". She and Jonathan (John Cusack) meet one special night at Christmas time and then lose touch of each other for many years.

But then fortunate accidents and magical messages kept reminding them of each other. The universe was encouraging them of their destiny to come together as soul mates. They eventually chose to believe that the coincidences they experienced had a greater meaning they must follow. The results end up a very happy reunion for them both!

So if you are feeling lost in your work, career or life remember that magical signs, clues, serendipities, synchronicities and messages are always being sent to guide you through. Use your intuition to FEEL the messages in the signs you see and hear. BELIEVE that you will get through your challenges. And have FAITH that everything will work out in the end.

"You don't have to understand. You just have to have faith."
Serendipity (2001)

Related Tips:
Tip#311: Be Open to Magical Messages, Part 1 - Serendipity movie 
Tip#837: Be Open to Magical Messages, Part 2 – Song of the Sea

ATTENTION ENTREPRENEURS & BUSINESS OWNERS!
GET SET-UP ONLINE FOR AN EXCITING NEW YEAR:
Social Media & Social Networking Consulting
With Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman for
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Blogging

More info under “Consultations” here: Motivatorman.com

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#310: Find Your Place In The World - Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Finding your place in the world can be a challenge. It may come easy to some or it may take years to achieve. Just remember somewhere deep down you already know your place in society.

I believe the recent business challenges I've been documenting about (see tip#308 and tip#309) are helping me define my place in the world. I have so many passions and ways to help others that I sometimes overload my ability to focus on my core purpose.

When you feel stuck in your life and career it is a sign that something within you needs to be examined. So despite my unease with the blocks I was facing I remained open to what I needed to learn.

The fact that I had multiple social media talks recently (see tip#307 and tip#308) was already a big sign that there was a need for my passion and skill sets for helping people connect and build their networks. I believe the universe is always guiding you to share your innate gifts and strengths.

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2009

The animated movie Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs celebrates the idea of sharing your gifts and finding your place in the world. The hero named Flint (Bill Hader) is a young inventor who has demonstrated his talent since he was a little child. You see how early failures caused him pain and frustration and yet he persevered with his passion for inventing.

There are many other positive and inspiring messages for kids and adults in this imaginative movie. For example, Flint was proud of being a nerd and later inspires the girl he likes, a TV reporter named Sam (Anna Faris) to return to her nerdy roots and be her authentic self.

And there is a message that childhood issues perceived as failures can end up becoming powerful solutions later in life. The movie shows that despite all the problems we face that it always works out in the end.

See the Evidence of Your Purpose

So if you are on a journey to find your place in the world remember that somewhere in your childhood and growing up were the evidence of your purpose, passions and your innate gifts and skill sets. You are already doing what you were born to do.

Just be open to how the universe is guiding and encouraging you to use the talents and skills you enjoy doing. The more conscious you are in the positive difference you are making with others the closer you get to KNOWING your place in the world!

SEE UNIQUE & UPLIFTING GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Original Artworks & Prints
by Emmanuel Lopez!
Website gallery: See

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

Tip#309: See The Positives In The Negatives, Part 1 - Catch Me If You Can

Remember in times of struggle that your faith and enthusiasm can be re-ignited when you can see the positive possibilities in the negatives you face.

I've been feeling a sense of calm and peace ever since I recently surrendered to my current business and career challenge. As I wrote in the previous tip#308, surrendering to unavoidable obstacles in your path is the first step to overcoming it. The next step is to be able to switch on your optimistic mindset and visualize a positive outcome.

While I was searching for solutions to my challenge I took a much needed break and went over to a friend's home and enjoyed a movie marathon. The last film was actually a movie already playing on a TV network and contained the magical answers I'd been seeking.

Catch Me If You Can 2002

The movie Catch Me If You Can was inspired by a true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of cheques. He had successfully impersonated a Pan Am pilot, doctor and legal prosecutor in the process.

He was finally caught, tried as an adult and sentenced to 12 years in prison. While in prison Frank helps the FBI agent Carl who caught him (Tom Hanks) by giving advice on other cheque forgers he was investigating. Frank was hired immediately by the FBI to work for the cheque fraud department under Carl's custody.

The inspiring message I received was that a positive outcome came from the negatives of this story. What Frank did was clearly against the law so he suffered the consequences. And yet he had developed skill sets that were of great value to others. Frank received a new lease on life helping others with these hidden skill sets.

Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video 

Struggles Have A Purpose

This movie message empowered me to see that my business and career struggles have a deeper, enriching purpose. Frank's story inspired me to believe that the skill sets I've been learning in order to overcome my own challenges will have very positive results in the future.

Today the real Frank Abagnale Jr. advices the business world of fraud and is paid millions for his services. He has since paid back all that he scammed over his criminal career.

So whenever faced with overwhelming negatives in your career or life do your best to switch your optimistic mindset on. Find inspirational stories with evidence that something positive will come from your struggles.

You are always surrounded by real-life heroes and movie heroes reminding you that everything will be okay. Keep open to the empowering messages coming to you.

SEE UNIQUE & UPLIFTING GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Original Artworks & Prints
by Emmanuel Lopez!
Website gallery: See

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist For Professionals
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009