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 

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