Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: May 2015

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2

“You are my flashlight, getting me through the night.”
Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

Since August of 2014 the social media tool Instagram has been teaching me the power of the “hashtag”. A hashtag is a type of label for keywords or topics that makes it easier for users to find what they are seeking online. On instagram I discovered how many people are posting and interested in the following topics:

#film 10 thousand+
#mentalhealth 424 thousand+
#depression 10 million+
#god 17 million+
#movie 19 million+
#food 178 million+
#friends 217 million+
#happy 302 million+
#love: 913 million+

I was amazed to see that there were over 10 million posts for depression and increases every second. This inspired me to call my account on Instagram The Film Food Friends Project where I am posting and hashtagging positive photos and tips for getting through difficult times or depression. I always post something with the intention and vision that someone somewhere around the world will benefit from it.

It also feels fantastic when I see someone “like” a post especially when I see from that person’s profile that they are dealing from depression. It feels that my photos are like a flashlight for someone feeling trapped in the dark. Take a look at my Instagram page and click on an image that attracts you. You can then click on someone who “liked’ the photo and see people from around the world. Feel free to follow me too if you have an account. See: Motivatorman on Instagram

Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

The musical comedy film, Pitch Perfect 2, continues the story of all female a capella singing group The Barden Bellas as they try to recover from a humiliating televised performance. They make it their goal to compete in an a capella world competition to redeem themselves. This film is filled with fantastic, catchy musical numbers and hilarious one-liners from stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Flula Borg, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Keegan-Michael Key, John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks who also directed the movie. See: movie trailer

Inspiring Themes:
• Team spirit & Teamwork
• Finding your unique voice
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Creative thinking
• Personal development (retreats)

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Tip#856: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 3 - Mental Health - John Nash - Welcome to Me

A lot has happened in the three days since I posted my very personal blog article regarding my journey with depression in tip#855. I received many supportive comments from friends, professionals in the medical field and from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter of people thanking me for sharing my experiences. And, of this writing, the post has received over 200 views.

I was also saddened to hear the news of mathematician John Nash and his wife Alicia’s unexpected deaths. They were killed in a car accident on May 23, 2015. Their story was featured in the Oscar-winning film A Beautiful Mind which has been an ongoing inspiration for me. His story of coping with his mental illness keeps me resilient in dealing with extreme periods of depression. John and Alicia’s inspiring story of love and support will live on forever in their powerful movie.

There are many movies, both fiction and nonfiction, that can provide insights on what mental illness is like to better understand and support people dealing with depression and other mental health challenges. Here is the latest I’ve discovered.

Welcome to Me (2014)

The comedy drama film, Welcome to Me, is about Alice Klieg (Kristen Wiig) who has a borderline personality disorder and wins a Mega-Millions lottery helping her create a live talk show that is all about her. This film has a unique combination of being funny, heartbreaking while providing insights on someone with a mental illness. Wiig gives an amazing, quirky and heartfelt performance that is mesmerizing to see. See: movie trailer

The TV show Alice creates is fascinating because at first it seems ridiculous and uncomfortable to watch and yet you begin to see that it’s a form of creative therapy and catharsis for herself. And though her televised actions cause many consequences and hurts someone close to her Alice is clear enough in her mind to make things right. For despite Alice’s initial self-centred needs for creating her show she discovers that the friend who supported her for years was the most important factor for her.

Inspiring themes:
• Find your true calling no matter how unusual it might be
• Taking responsibility for your actions
• Supportive relationships
• Creative forms of catharsis & therapy
• Dealing with Depression (mental health)

Whether you are struggling with a mental health challenge or not remember the importance of cultivating supportive relationships. Getting through difficult times is easier when you know there are others that believe in you especially during times you are unable to believe in yourself.

Read a great review from Forbes:
'Welcome To Me' Shows Humor, Heartbreak In Mental Health Struggle

Related Tips:
Tip#300: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 1 – Top 25 Movies
Tip#824: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 2 – Bell Let’s Talk Day - Wild Card
Tip#856: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 3 - Mental Health - John Nash - Welcome to Me
Tip#859: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 4 – Paper Planes
Tip#886: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 5 - Walk the Line
Tip#899: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 6 – Depression - A Little Chaos
Tip#907: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 7 – Depression - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Tip#918: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 8 - The Intern
Tip#1118: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 9 - Alpha Tip#41: Recognize The Support Around You - 4 Movie Tips

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
For your workplace, AGM, Conference or special event...
Contact Motivatorman now! See topics: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Tip#855: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 1 - Depression & Mental Health - Tomorrowland

On January 28, 2015 I was diagnosed with a chronic low-grade depression called dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder). I was in a state of shock for days but later realized I finally had a name for something inside me that’s been plaguing me for years. I’m told that this type of depression is very difficult to identify, if ever, because it is easy to believe the symptoms are just part of a person’s character. Since then I’ve taken steps every day to solve this mental health challenge not only to help myself but to help others too.

Now, more than ever, I am applying what I’ve written on my movie blog and shared in my motivational talks about increasing resilience. I am using creative visualization, vision statements/affirmations and future pacing techniques to focus on the future I want instead of ruminating on current negative situations. I also started a 15 week group program on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (see tip#847) at Toronto’s CAMH, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health. The goal here is to learn how to effectively manage the debilitating thoughts and behaviours that keep feeding my depression. And then I can share what I've learned with others.

Recently, I experienced high depression symptoms such as loss of concentration, hopelessness, extreme heaviness in my arms and legs. Thoughts of death also lightly crept into my foggy mind. This happened on the opening day of Disney’s Tomorrowland film which I planned to see. Since movies have been a powerful coping tool for these symptoms (see tip#801) I made it my goal to take a rejuvenating one-hour walk in the beautiful, warm sunshine to the first afternoon screening at the nearest Cineplex theatre. Once again it felt like I was divinely guided to see this film because it instantly re-activated my indestructible optimism and imagination for my brighter future.

Synchronistically, optimism and the future were key themes of Tomorrowland and also featured this Cherokee parable that is a powerful message for anyone dealing with depression or facing challenges in the workplace or in life.

The Two Wolves Parable

An old grandfather told his grandson: “There is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, and resentment. The other is good. It is joy, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and bravery.” The boy thought about it, and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?” The old man quietly replied, “The one you feed.”

Tomorrowland (2015)

The science fiction adventure film, Tomorrowland, is about a reclusive, former boy genius Frank Walker (George Cooney) and a tech-savvy teen Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) recruited by the mysterious Athena (Raffey Cassidy) to save a futuristic world called Tomorrowland. This visually stunning movie is overflowing with highly imaginative, creative landscapes and exciting technology! It also features heartfelt performances and inspiring messages about optimism and envisioning a better future. See: awesome teaser trailer

Tomorrowland is also rich with many other life lessons to empower people of all ages. It speaks of nurturing the happy inner child and dreamer within us all and the importance of cultivating community to build a positive future for the planet.

Inspiring Themes:
• Indestructible Optimism
• Perseverance & Resilience (Don’t give up)
• Power of inspiration & imagination
• Envisioning & focusing on a positive future
• Power of community
• Letting go

Along with the dazzling visuals the film spoke directly to my heart with its reminders of focusing on the positive, exciting future that I want for myself. Vision, focus and belief were the keys. I was reminded to keep feeding the good, optimistic wolf within me instead of the wolf that represents my dark depression and hopelessness. This magical movie took me away for a few hours, cleared the ruminating in my brain (see: tip#801) and returned me to earth feeling refreshed and enthusiastic again!

Seeing Tomorrowland during a time of despair and depression helped fill me with unlimited hope and promise that my future will be brighter as long as I focus on that belief and vision. My indestructible optimism was once again re-energized and I felt much better, physically, emotionally and mentally. Movies saved my life once more.

If you are feeling deeply stuck at work or in life or experiencing symptoms of situational or clinical depression I highly recommend seeing a film to help re-ignite your spirit and drive. Movies can help you escape your pain for awhile, get entertained and re-energized. Cinema can fill you with insights, epiphanies and AHA moments for moving forward again. Choose to feed your indestructible optimism right now!

SEE MORE TIPS FOR DEALING WITH DEPRESSION
ON MY INSTAGRAM SITE: The Film Food Friends Project

Related Tips:
Tip#855: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 1 - Depression & Mental Health - Tomorrowland
Tip#863: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 2 - Depression & Mental Health - Inside Out
Tip#200: How To Build Indestructible Optimism - 9 Movie Tips
Tip#801: Resilience Is Your Hidden Super Power, Part 5 - Depression - Whiplash
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Tip#812: Resilience Resources, Part 5 – Mental Health - Mumford
Tip#825: Resilience Resources, Part 10 – Mental Health & Healthcare - Big Hero 6
Tip#829: Resilience Resources, Part 11 – The Tartigrade – Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Tip#830: Resilience Resources, Part 12 – Depression & Graham Moore - The Imitation Game
Tip#833: Resilience Resources, Part 13 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tip#847: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
For your workplace, AGM, Conference or special event...
Contact Motivatorman now! See topics: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Tip#854: Just Have Fun, Part 6 – Mad Max: Fury Road

Since the end of April I feel I’ve been on a non-stop road of events for meeting many new people and potential new business contacts. The Collision Conference in Las Vegas had over 7,500 attendees (see tip#851), I met with living legend Julie Ridge (see tip#853) and met many great young talents at the George Brown College, School of Design event where I gave a motivational talk on self-promotion.

Each new person I met is already branching out into even more connections, referrals and recommendations! It’s a chain reaction that could lead to mental overload but I do my best to manage this overflow of abundance. Part of the key is remembering to just have fun!

George Brown College, School of Design,

Behance Portfolio Review Event 2015

Mad Mad: Fury Road (2015)

The action adventure film, Mad Max: Fury Road continues the series of post-apocalyptic movies created by George Miller and starred Mel Gibson. In this story Max (Tom Hardy) helps Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) on an epic desert road chase to escape cult leader Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his army of elaborate war vehicles. This is a relentless, thrilling, imaginative, high-octane cinematic adventure that must be seen on the big screen! Even the trailers are fantastic!

See: awesome teaser trailer
See: awesome main trailer

Despite the onslaught of violence this film just took me to another world and told me to just enjoy the ride. The creative visuals of the characters, vehicles and sequences were so detailed that I knew I needed to see the movie again. Furiosa stood out as an exciting female action hero amongst many other strong female characters. Later I began to recognize the empowering motivational themes that included: resilience, perseverance, strategic thinking, teamwork and female leadership.

Some movies are great for inspiration and motivation. Some are meant to just have fun at and take you away from your stressed out world for awhile. If you feel you are on a non-stop road of activity and feeling overwhelmed than treat yourself to a movie today. Treat yourself to a cinematic delight that will re-energize you!

Related Tips:
Tip#553: Just Have Fun, Part 1 - Rock of Ages
Tip#591: Just Have Fun, Part 2 – Iron Sky
Tip#666: Just Have Fun, Part 3 - This is the End
Tip#736: Just Have Fun, Part 4 – Ellen DeGeneres at the Oscars - Frozen
Tip#737: Just Have Fun, Part 5 – Lupita Nyong’o’s Brother Peter – Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Tip#854: Just Have Fun, Part 6 – Mad Max: Fury Road
Tip#1045: Just Have Fun, Part 7 - The Fate of the Furious - The Great Wall

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
For your workplace, AGM, Conference or special event...
Contact Motivatorman now! See topics: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Tip#853: Cultivate Community, Part 10 - Endurance - McFarland, USA

“You guys are super-human. What you endure just to be here, to get a shot at this, the kind of privilege that someone like me takes for granted. There’s nothing you can’t do with that kind of strength, with that kind of heart. You kids have the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen. Now go run you race.”
McFarland, USA (2015)

Julie Ridge is a real superhero! She’s been a Broadway actress and an endurance athlete (English Channel swimmer & Guinness Book World Record holder) having appeared on The David Letterman Show and in Sports Illustrated and Life magazine. On top of that she is an author, motivational speaker and President & Founder of the Frank Ridge Memorial Foundation in NYC dedicated to living well with mental health issues. Like I said a real superhero!

I had the honor of meeting Julie during her visit to Toronto where we both shared a vibrant discussion on films we loved. We also shared each of our experiences and coping methods for clinical depression other mental health challenges. For several months now its been feeling like an endurance test as my depression symptoms have been consistently high. Thankfully I felt tremendously supported by Julie and feel I can keep moving forward despite the mental pain. And knowing she is very experienced with endurance empowers me even more not to give up!

McFarland, USA (2015)

The sports drama film, McFarland, USA, is based on the true story of a 1987 cross country team of seven Mexican-American teens coached by Jim White (Kevin Costner). This highly inspiring film shows how White finds a passion for helping these youths be the best they can be and also how he discovers the loving, supportive Hispanic neighborhood he and his family move into. See: movie trailer

Endurance is a big theme in the movie as White witnesses how each of his runners demonstrate inner strengths for dealing with the pain of long distance running. White also participates in working long, grueling, hot hours in the fields with the youths. He endures despite the pain. This helps him see that their inner powers come from their hearts and love of family and one another.

I was moved when I saw the Mexican community embrace White and his family when they were clearly outsiders. Delicious foods were shown as a wonderful bonder and, as a food lover, enjoyed seeing all the scenes celebrating life with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas and BBQ chickens!

Enduring mental or physical pain can be tough and make you want to quit. What helps is knowing you are supported by people who love and believe in you. That feeds your inner strength for moving forward despite the pain. Be inspired by films that demonstrate and celebrate the power of community!

Great article: 9 Reasons to GO See McFarland, USA

Related Tips:
Tip#172: Cultivate Community, Part 1 – Witness
Tip#651: Cultivate Community, Part 2 - Defiance
Tip#656: Cultivate Community, Part 3 – Swapsity - Phenomenon
Tip#658: Cultivate Community, Part 4 – Into the White
Tip#668: Cultivate Community, Part 5 – Be Kind Rewind
Tip#686: Cultivate Community, Part 6 – Ip Man
Tip#687: Cultivate Community, Part 7 – Rotary Club - Groundhog Day
Tip#707: Cultivate Community, Part 8 – Movie Nights - Christmas in Connecticut
Tip#781: Cultivate Community, Part 9 - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Tip#853: Cultivate Community, Part 10 - Endurance - McFarland, USA
Tip#894: Cultivate Community, Part 11 - The Rainmaker

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
For your workplace, AGM, Conference or special event...
Contact Motivatorman now! See topics: Click here

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

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015