Tip#643: Believe in Second Chances - Before Sunset

I just had a really great week because of the joy I felt helping several entrepreneurs with what I call my Sizzle Factor Assessment. It is a formula I developed to help business owners and professionals identify and communicate their greatness. And for those going through mid-life transitions it helps them re-discover and reboot their passion and purpose in life. It gives them a second chance. See details: Sizzle Factor Assessment

Synchronistically this week I was drawn to seeing a film that represents second chances called Before Sunset. It explores the sizzle factor between two people that is still alive even after many years. That can be a mirror for identifying your own sizzle factor of whatever makes you great to others in your life and career!

Before Sunset (2004)

The romantic film Before Sunset is a sequel to Before Sunrise (1995) and is about Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) reconnecting in Paris after nine years since they first met on a train to Vienna. The dialogue feels so authentic and chemistry so natural between the two leads that it seems like you are watching a documentary. See: movie trailer

The making of this film is inspiring because both lead actors wrote most of their own dialogue bringing in their own life experiences. For example Delpy also loves to write songs so she performed three for the movie soundtrack as well as performing one for Jesse. There are also many beautiful, long tracking shots through Paris with the longest being 11 minutes. And what added more to the realism of the film is that it unfolds in real time. Plus it was shot nine years after the first film which is the same time that passed since the couple saw each other.

The story also inspires because it offers the optimistic idea that we can all get a second chance at something meaningful to us whether it be in relationships or following a dream or goal after the first time failed to manifest.

Be inspired by stories in the movies and in real life where people get second chances to make a dream come true. Believe that whatever you wished for in the past may be waiting for you to unearth it. Getting a second chance doesn’t just happen in the movies, it can happen to you anytime. Maybe even today!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY READERS
AROUND THE WORLD!

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#642: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 1 - The Croods

Yesterday was March 26th and I had such a good day. The morning started out fantastic with my favourite vanilla bean latte and the feeling of spring shining outside my windows. I had many tasks to start and everything just flowed so easily like melting butter on a super hot baked potato (which I had for lunch!).

I have been feeling a positive, new shift in my life and career recently and it reminded of how adversities in the past 3 years (see tip#400) helped me transform my mindset for more indestructible optimism.

My favourite movies like Groundhog Day and Peaceful Warrior helped remind me to keep developing a positive attitude because there was always something new to learn. There is a reason why you have movies you watch over and over again that is more than entertainment. They can help you become a better, stronger person!

The Croods (2013)

The 3D animated comedy adventure The Croods is about the world’s first prehistoric family forced out of the safety of their cave for an incredible adventure of discovery. This is a wondrously entertaining film, visually stunning and colourful in every scene with hilarious characters voiced by Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Cloris Leachman. See: movie trailer

The motivational and inspirational aspects of the movie took me by surprise because it is so rich and overflowing with key life lessons that I feel this could be my new top favourite motivational movie to recommend. It’s a bold thing to say and yet it really moved me on so many levels. For example the father Grug (Nicholas Cage) is extremely pessimistic and yet, despite his pain to change his attitude and beliefs, he learns to transform his mindset for the greater good of his family.

Life Lessons from The Croods:

• Transforming a negative mindset into a positive one
• Adapting to change
• Teamwork
• Identifying your strengths
• Try something new
• Take risks
• Pessimism versus Optimism
• Survival mindset versus Thriving mindset
• Creative solutions and brainstorming ideas
• Healing family relationships

There was a scene with the father Grug that brought me to tears. It reminded me of my own Dad who passed away back in 2000. It even felt like my Dad spoke directly to me through Grug! I could actually feel the presence of my Dad in the theatre. This experience while seeing this amazing film just added to my amazing day!

After the screening I sent an email to my Mom of what a great day I had. My Mom replied and reminded me that it was actually my Dad’s birthday! I suddenly felt this incredible wave of realization that my Dad’s spirit did lead me to the film and that he was right beside me watching this wondrous, uplifting movie with me. I already felt this was an important film and seeing it on his birthday just confirmed it on a magical, emotional level!

There are some movies that just entertain and some that are also filled with empowering life lessons. Find movies that you resonate with and allow the movie heroes to mirror your own strengths and skills. Films can inspire you to transform your mindset so that you can face and overcome any adversity in your life, career or business. Watch one of your favourite movies today!

Related Tips:
Tip#642: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 1 - The Croods
Tip#701: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 2 - About Time 
Tip#901: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 3 - A Home of Our Own  
Tip#951: Life Lessons in Your Favourite Movies, Part 4 – Learnography’s Brunchography – Freedom Writers 



Remember How Movies Can Help You:

A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#641: Express Your Buried Feelings - As it is in Heaven

It’s now a week after I attended The Mastery of Self Expression workshop as an observer (see Tip#639) and I already had a breakthrough expressing buried feelings to a close family member. The Mastery workshop reminded me of the importance to express AND release key feelings like LOVE, ANGER and NEED. If not released these energies, over time, start to do damage within the cells of the body and mind. And just being conscious of this information is a positive step forward for anyone wanting positive change.

As it is in Heaven (2004)

The Swedish drama, As it is in Heaven is about a successful international conductor named Daniel Daréus (Michael Nyqvist) who experiences a heart attack and returns to his childhood village. There he faces painful childhood memories while positively affecting the church choir he agrees to conduct and train. Through the power of singing and personal self-expression techniques, Daniel helps each individual break free of themselves. They, in turn, help him heal. See: movie trailer

One by one members of the choir learn to express years of buried feelings with one another or with family members. In the process they become happier individuals and a stronger, joyful choir singing beautifully together. Daniel even writes a special song for a specific woman to sing that empowers her to face an abusive husband. This film inspires by showing how therapeutic and cathartic singing and self-expression can be!

If you are feeling terminally stuck in your life or career it may be time to explore unresolved issues from your past. Identifying these issues and then learning to express and release old feelings is a big step towards positive change. It takes courage to look into the darkness so remember you are not alone. Movie heroes can help inspire you to find your inner strengths!

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#640: Re-ignite Your Passion – The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

An unexpected life or career obstacle is always a gift if you choose to see it as an opportunity for self-growth. And movies, even a comedy, can help inspire you to persevere and gain insights of what you need to do next to move forward. Plus you get to have a good laugh to shake off some stress!

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

The comedy The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is about the lifelong friendship of two magicians, Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi), a successful Las Vegas magic act faced with a competitive street magician named Steve Gray (Jim Carrey). There are lots of laughs in this film as well as some over-the-top Las Vegas show hairdos and costumes!

One of the key motivational aspects of this film is that after years of performing the same magic show every day Wonderstone had lost his passion. He is helped to recognize this when he meets the same magician that inspired him as a child named Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin). With Holloway’s guidance Wonderstone re-ignited his love for magic even if he was performing at a senior’s home or a kid's birthday party.

This movie will inspire you to:
• Re-ignite passion
• Adapt to change
• Develop supportive relationships

If you are feeling stuck in your life or career see it as an opportunity to recognize whether or not the feel good energy of your passion is flowing. Passion is your fuel to enjoying the work you do and for accomplishing tasks and goals. Make sure you are brimming with this fuel and you’ll bring conscious joy into your day every day!

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#639: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt. 3 – Grand Canyon

"In a time when our cities are wounded, movies like Grand Canyon can help to heal." 
Roger Ebert 

I am currently attending the latest Mastery of Self Expression weekend workshop here in Toronto. This is the most powerful personal development workshop I have experienced and as a graduate I can attend as an assistant or an observer. This time I am an observer and I still receive amazing revelations and personal epiphanies to move forward in certain areas of my life and career.

A big part of these epiphanies come from the heightened synchronicities that always happen at a Mastery workshop. From new and familiar Mastery Grads I meet to the participants and the facilitators Larry Gilman and Tammy Cunningham, I would receive a magical message that is an answer to a question I really needed. Synchronicity is an amazing phenomenon when you allow it to flow into your life!

Grand Canyon (1991)

The drama Grand Canyon is about random events that affect a group of diverse characters intertwining in Los Angeles. The story chronicles how each person is helped in some miraculous way from life-changing events. The film stars Kevin Kline, Mary McDonnell, Danny Glover, Mary-Louise Parker and Steve Martin. See: movie trailer

I got a chill up my spine when I saw the movie trailer for the first time recently and that’s what prompted me to see this film. Even though this movie was released in 1991 it was synchronistic timing that I see it now. It had answers for me. If you are compelled to see this movie after seeing the trailer then synchronicity is already in play in your life to answer a question you may have.

Synchronicity is defined as a meaningful coincidence of two or more events, where something other than the probability of chance is involved. Be open to the signs that lead you to people or even movie tips presenting solutions to challenges you are having right now. Then recognize the patterns unfold magically right in front of you!

Related Tips:
Tip#13: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.1 - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#554: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt.2 – Jeff, Who Lives at Home – Touch TV Series
Tip#639: Believe in Synchronicity, Pt. 3 – Grand Canyon
Tip#800: Believe In Synchronicity, Pt.4 - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#638: Praying, Faith & Indestructible Optimism - Unconditional

Please note that I am not a religious man but I am very spiritual. So when I say that I pray and thank God on a regular basis it’s because I’ve developed a loving relationship with a force I believe is very real in my life. Recently, I slipped into a momentary feeling of hopelessness and despair over a personal situation and prayed to God for help.

I even prayed to my Dad who passed away years ago. Within a day, as I was walking along a street, I found a shiny dime and felt a warm rush flow over me. As I’ve written before, whenever I find a dime in public it is a divine sign that my Dad’s spirit is with me (Tip#145 and Tip#313). I felt my faith and optimism rise at that beautiful moment. At the same time I believe God led me to see a new movie that touched my heart and transformed by state of mind.

Unconditional (2012)

The drama Unconditional is about a children’s book writer and illustrator named Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins) struggling with the death of her husband. The film is also based on the story of Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy) who helped underprivileged children despite having a painful kidney disease. These two were childhood friends who find each other again and help one another persevere. See: movie trailer

The life lessons in this movie were powerful reminders I had prayed for and I had a good cathartic cry at the end. I could feel the tears releasing the heaviness inside me and re-activate my indestructible optimism once again. And though this is referred to as a Christian film it never feels preachy about God. All the performances, especially the kids, are amazing and heartfelt. If you are feeling hopelessness and despair I highly recommend this as your movie prescription.

Dark times can sometimes hide your own indestructible optimism. If praying helps you through then pray. If you are led to seeing a movie be open to the life lessons it will give you. Do whatever it takes to re-activate your faith and optimism! You can do it!

Related Tips (Shiny Dimes Stories):
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#714: Praying, Faith & Indestructible Optimism, Part 2 - It’s a Wonderful Life, Colorized 
Tip#665: Your Greatness, Purpose & Focus – Man of Steel
Tip#740: The Timeless Love of a Dad, Dog & Son - Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

Have you been inspired by my movie blog?
I would love to hear from you!
Please contact me here: info@motivatorman.com

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#637: I Believe in You, Pt. 3 - Oz the Great and Powerful

“You are capable of more than you know.” 
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) 

A great quote to remember when you are feeling stuck in life is “You’ll see it when you believe it” by Wayne Dyer. This statement can help transform your mindset when you are feeling anxious, hopeless or stressed. And when someone tells you “I believe in you” it can lift your spirits even higher!

Movies always help remind me about the power of believing whenever I feel stuck, especially films that may have received negative reviews. I do my best not to read reviews before seeing a movie I am drawn to. I just trust my gut, intuition and my heart that I will enjoy the film.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

The fantasy adventure Oz the Great and Powerful is a prequel to the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz telling the story of how a small-time circus magician named Oscar Diggs (James Franco) becomes the Wizard. He is a man with dubious ethics who is hurled into the land of Oz where he meets three witches (Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams) that believe he is there to fulfill a prophecy to save the land from the wicked witch. See: movie trailer

This is one of those magical films I saw just when I needed a motivational reminder in my life. I was inspired to see Oscar transform his self-doubts of himself into enthusiastic, contagious confidence. He was also helped by Glinda the good witch (Williams) when she continually tells him that she believed in his potential. These and many other life lessons for young and old are told within a colourful, imaginative world of vibrant scenery and characters. This movie will remind you the impossible can be possible as long as you believe!

It is sometimes difficult to see a brighter future when the present appears dark and hopeless. Just remember you can re-activate your optimism by first CHOOSING to believe something positive can happen. And surround yourself with people who believe in your inner strengths and potential. You have the ability to get through anything! I BELIEVE in you!

RELATED TIPS:
Tip#128: I Believe In You, Pt.1 - The Matrix
Tip#129: I Believe In You, Pt.2 - Contact
Tip#637: I Believe in You, Pt.3 - Oz the Great and Powerful
Tip#793: I Believe in You, Pt.4 - Begin Again
Tip#609: Believe in Yourself – ParaNorman
Tip#696: Find People Who Believe What You Believe – The Way Way Back

Have you been inspired by my movie blog?
I would love to hear from you!
Please contact me here: info@motivatorman.com

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#636: Your Greatness is Already Recognized - Searching for Sugar Man

Did you ever create or accomplish something you felt was great but was not recognized at the time? I’ve discovered a documentary that will fill you with overflowing hope that your efforts and work in the past may already be making a positive impact with someone around the world without you knowing it!

Every movie article I post on this blog feels like it is one of the greatest piece of writings I’ve ever done. Sometimes I never receive any responses to a posting and wonder if anyone had read the piece. And then, thanks to the global reach of the internet, I would receive heartfelt thanks from readers within days, months and even years later!

If you need a huge boost in believing anything is possible for getting overdue recognition of your gifts, talents and skills you must check out the Oscar winning film called Searching for Sugar Man.

Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

The documentary Searching for Sugar Man is about two fans of a 1970’s American musician known only as Rodriguez and are searching to find out if he was still alive or why he disappeared. Amazingly, the music of Rodriguez was more popular than Elvis or the Rolling Stones where they lived in South Africa but never took off in the United States.

That’s all I’m going to write because the less you know the more powerful this film will be in filling you with hope and a feel good optimism! Just go on a journey with these two fans as they discover revelations of their musical hero. You will also discover many life lessons to inspire you.

If you feel you never got the recognition you felt you deserved for something meaningful you did in the past then trust that you already made a difference in someone’s life. Believe your efforts, hard work and greatness are already impacting people right now!

HAVE YOU BEEN INSPIRED BY MY MOVIE BLOG?
I would love to hear from you!
Please contact me here: info@motivatorman.com

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#635: Put Adventure into Your Life & Career – Jack the Giant Slayer

If you’ve been reading this movie blog for the past 6 years you know that I’ve been documenting the ups and downs of my mid-life career transitions. And though there have been some extreme lows it's been an incredible adventure. And that’s because I chose to see all my unexpected life changes as an adventure!

What has helped make my journey fun are the relationships I cultivated along the way. One example is professional journalist Vickie Elmer who has contributed to The Washington Post, Newsday, The New York Times and Fortune Magazine. She had featured my movie blog in The Washington Post and then I later connected with her via LinkedIn. It was a thrill to be in the Post and equally thrilling to stay in contact with the journalist who saw my blog as a helpful career resource!

Over time we helped each other in various ways. Vickie encouraged me during some career challenges and I was happy to contribute film tips for career growth for her own blog called WorkingKind. Helping one another is what makes life a fun adventure!

See her latest article:
After the Oscars, Turn on Movies to Motivate Careers and Lives
See previous article:
Need Inspiration? Try One of These 10 Job Seeker Movies

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

The fantasy adventure film Jack the Giant Slayer is a re-imagining of the classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk. Farm boy Jack (Nicholas Hoult) grew up fascinated with the legend of living giants and eventually discovers they are real when he goes to rescue Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) taken high into the land of giants by a magic beanstalk.

I have read several reviews on this film and many agree that the trailers do not show how much fun this movie really is! And I agree, you have to go and experience this adventure yourself especially in IMAX 3D. All the actors seem to be having so much fun like Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci and even Bill Nighy who voices the amazing CGI giant General Fallon. Most of all Jack and Princess Isabelle will give you the important life lesson of putting adventure into your life.

Life and career transitions can be daunting and overwhelming at times. Those are the moments when you must choose how you are going to deal with these situations. Choose to see it as an adventure! Inject some fun into your challenges. And when you do you will find supportive people eager to be part of your journey!

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Author | Speaker | Movie Blogger
Personal & Professional Development Through Movies
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013