Tip#872: Recognize The Support Around You, Part 3 - Red Planet

For the past week I’ve been rebuilding my work/life/communications environment on my new used MacBook Pro and it’s been tough and overwhelming (see: tip#871)! Plus I got sunburned on a cottage trip which has been painful for days where my skin started to blister and peel. I looked and felt like a snake shedding old skin and amazingly related to my computer rebuilding as a metaphor that I’ve entered a new phase of unexpected change.

Just before my previous computer died I did a Google Hangouts interview with my friend and client, Steffi Black, Host of The Life & Career Coaching Moment Show. It was 6 minutes and we discussed uplifting movies and how being open about my clinical depression is helping others cope.

See video interview: A reminder of movie magic to heal and empower

Also, I was told by famed director Sylvia Caminer​ that I have a quote on the DVDs, Blu-rays and marketing for her fantastic documentary Tanzania: A Journey Within (see: tip#765). It was a thrill to see my quote in print! These two experiences with Steffi and Sylvia helped remind me of my value and re-energize me because sometimes I just feel overwhelmed during this time of unexpected change.

Red Planet (2000)

The science fiction thriller film, Red Planet, is about a team of astronauts that travel to Mars to check on an algae growth experiment to help a dying Earth in 2056 AD. Problems occur with the ship and they must all persevere despite impossible odds on the planet surface. With stunning visual effects and cool futuristic tech this is an entertaining story of resilience. See: movie trailer

This is one of those films that is considered a critical and box-office failure and yet whenever I see it I am extremely inspired and motivated to persevere with my problems. This time it is the scene where systems engineer Robby Gallagher (Val Vilmer) is alone on Mars and feels hopeless and wants to give up. Commander Kate Bowman (Carrie-Anne Moss) is on the ship and urges Gallagher to keep going.

Simple, powerful scenes like this always fill me with confidence and drive just like the support and encouragement I feel from amazing people like Steffi Black and Sylvia Caminer. Whenever you face unexpected change or crisis remember to find ways to stay inspired and motivated. Find movies and good people that will remind you of your inner strengths and potential. Support is always around you in some shape or form!

Related Tips:
Tip#41: Recognize The Support Around You - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#857: Recognize The Support Around You, Part 2 - Ron Ellis - San Andreas
Tip#872: Recognize The Support Around You, Part 3 - Red Planet

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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

Tip#871: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 3 - Before We Go

“How can one of the worst nights of my life also be one of the best?” 
Before We Go (2015)

The good news is that I now have a new used MacBook Pro to replace my vintage iMac that recently died (see tip#870). The bad news is that I have to rebuild my work/life/communications environment almost from scratch. For example writing this blog in Microsoft Word would have been simple in the past but I just realized this operating system no longer supports Microsoft. Ugh! I am learning to adapt.

This past week I also had a personal breakthrough at the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program I’ve been attending (see tip#867). This is a personal childhood memory I recalled that could've caused negative core beliefs that magnified my clinical depression and challenges repeating over the years. I will write more about this in the future but for now it is uncanny of the timing of this discovery, computer dying and having to rebuild a new computer environment. Again I am learning to adapt.

Before We Go (2014)

The romantic drama, Before We Go, is about two strangers Nick (Chris Evans) and Brooke (Alice Eve) who have a chance encounter and have an unexpected adventure one late night in New York City. This engaging film was inspired by the Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight trilogy and is actor Chris Evans' (Captain America) first directed movie. See: movie trailer 

What unfolds is how Nick and Brooke become unexpected heroes for each other in dealing with their life problems. They open up and offer options and solutions to one another. Then they encourage each other to take immediate action no matter how fearful they each feel to accomplish the task.

Inspiring Themes:
• Confidence & Courage
• Perseverance
• Optimism
• Resilience
• Problem Solving
• Supportive Relationships

What I loved about this film is that it took me away from my problems for awhile. It helped clear my mind of anxiety over the unexpected changes of dealing with my computer and emotional therapy work. Despite the negative reviews of this movie I will always consider it a hidden gem that re-energized my spirit at a difficult time.

Be inspired by movie heroes that deal successfully with unexpected changes. Be inspired by how they adapt and find solutions through the help of good people around them. And do your best to see your changes as an adventure!

“Want to come with me on a little adventure?” 
Before We Go (2015)

See: Chris Evans at the intro and Q&A of Before We Go at TIFF
See: Chris Evans surprise Q&A after 2nd screening at TIFF

Related Tips:
Tip#479: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 1 – The Change-Up – Crazy, Stupid, Love
Tip#657: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 2 - Star Trek into Darkness
Tip#871: Deal with Unexpected Changes, Pt. 3 - Before We Go 

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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

Tip#870: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 9 – Ant-Man

One week ago on July 15, 2015 my trusty vintage iMac died. After 9 amazingly productive years I felt I lost a good friend. On this computer I wrote over 800 movie tips for this blog and produced countless artworks, promotional graphics and videos. All my work and business was done on this iMac. It was my primary hub for corresponding with the world and using social media. Most of all this computer played countless movies that uplifted me during years of clinical depression and other unexpected crisis. It felt strange and profoundly quiet not having a computer this past week.

Other challenging events over the past week led to a depressive episode where I felt overwhelmed, lost and hopeless about my life and career. But what I’ve been training myself to do is reach out for help and was able to text two close friends about how I was feeling. Seeing their responses of support and talking to them later that day helped empower me again. Some people relate to teamwork mostly for the workplace or in sports and yet I see it as vital in my personal life. And it can be seen in nature such as the ever impressive ants!

Ant-Man (2015)

The superhero action film, Ant-Man, is about a scientist named Hank Pym/old Ant-Man (Michael Douglas) who passes on his shrinking technology and suit to burglar Scott Lang/new Ant-Man (Paul Rudd). Together with Pym’s daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly) and Lang’s three friends they work together to stop Pym’s adversary Darren Cross/Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll) from abusing the technology. This entertaining adventure is filled with stunning visual effects at a shrunken world the size of an ant as well as many memorable and funny scenes! See: movie trailer 

Teamwork is highly demonstrated in the film both amongst humans and with ants. There are several groups of ants featured for their incredible teamwork abilities including worker ants (build bridges, ropes), bullet ants (potent sting) and flying ants (transportation). It’s exciting to see Ant-Man telepathically communicate his needs to these ants to achieve seemingly impossible goals. And the primary goals are ultimately achieved with the help of his human allies and friends.

See amazing video: Ants & teamwork

Seeing teamwork demonstrated in nature and in the movies can be inspiring to show you that goals can be accomplished once you reach out to others for help. Remember this whenever you feel stuck, lost or hopeless in the workplace or in your personal life!

Related Tips:

Tip#477: Great Teamwork Movies Part 1 – X-Men: First Class – Kung Fu Panda 2

Tip#478: Great Teamwork Movies Part 2 – Red Cliff

Tip#540: Great Teamwork Movies Part 3 – The Avengers

Tip#780: Great Teamwork Movies Part 4 - Hercules

Tip#843: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 5 - Galaxy Quest

Tip#849: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 6 - Invictus
Tip#851: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 7 – Avengers: Age of Ultron 
Tip#865: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 8 – Eden Community Homes - Flight of the Phoenix
Tip#870: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 9 – Ant-Man

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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

Tip#869: Believe in Magic, Part 1 - Edge of the Garden

On my recent birthday I tasted the most incredible, delicious, juicy 3/4 pound BBQ burgers my friend made for a small gathering I had at his family’s backyard. The taste sensation was so blissful that I believed the chef put in magic spices that activated every happy chemical in my brain and body!

I was so grateful for this amazing food because I was feeling a little down about my birthday this year. Part of the reason was not having achieved certain goals and that I was single and not able to celebrate with a special woman. But on the day of my birthday I was thankful for being surrounded by close, loving friends, heavenly food and drink on a beautiful deck overlooking a wonderful sunlit summer garden!

Edge of the Garden (2011)

The romantic fantasy film, Edge of the Garden, is about Brian Connor (Rob Estes) who is drawn to buying an abandoned house in the country that has a magic garden. Brian is able to communicate with a woman named Nora Hargrave (Sarah Manninen) living 50 years in the past. This Hallmark TV movie is a wonderful time travel/alternate dimensions story with engaging performances. See: movie trailer

This film reminded me of other romantic fantasies like Somewhere in Time and The Lake House and another Hallmark film The Love Letter. These movies always transport me to another world where my indestructible optimism and faith are re-energized that I too will find that special woman. These films lift me from my problems, depression and loneliness!

Movies, like good food and friends, have the magic to fill you with hope. So believe in magic in your own life and let it remind you that anything unexpected, wonderful and thrilling can happen!

See full movie: Youtube

Related Tips:
Tip#869: Believe in Magic, Part 1 - Edge of the Garden
Tip#876: Believe in Magic, Part 2 - She’s Funny That Way 
Tip#1006: Believe in Magic, Part 3 - Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them 
Tip#1086: Believe in Magic, Part 4 - Being There

SEE INSPIRING PHOTOS & TIPS TO DEAL WITH DEPRESSION:
Motivatorman1 on Instagram!

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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

Tip#868: Movies to Inspire Hope & Ignite Change - Still Alice

“So, 'live in the moment' I tell myself. It's really all I can do, live in the moment.” 
Still Alice (2014)

For many months I didn’t have the courage to watch Still Alice where Julianne Moore had won an Oscar for Best Actress. I could sense it would be a depressing film and I was already dealing with a long bout of clinical depression. But recently a good friend highly recommended seeing it and my gut told me it was time. It was devastating. I cried throughout the movie because it mirrored some of the difficulties I’d been struggling with for years.

I feel I’ve lost so much time not hanging out with friends and attending social events as much as I used to because a major symptom I experience is withdrawal from the world. At times my arms and legs are also difficult to move and I lose my focus and concentration. The amazing thing is that when I’m able to be with friends or in front of an audience giving a presentation I become my old, enthusiastic, playful self again! So there is always hope even when my brain fools me into thinking all is hopeless.

Still Alice (2014)

The drama film, Still Alice, is about renowned linguistics professor and speaker Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) who is diagnosed with early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease. This compelling story slowly takes you down a dark, emotional journey thanks to Moore’s outstanding and mesmerizing performance of what it's like to lose one’s memory and sense of self. Also explored is how Alice’s husband and three adult children cope and lovingly support her. See: movie trailer

This film may be a challenge to watch especially if you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health challenge. For me I watched it during a deep period of depression and was surprised and inspired by one scene of Alice giving a speech 2/3rd's into the film. Debilitated by Alzheimer’s disease Alice found a unique way of coping in order to deliver her presentation. Her words were so powerful and unexpectedly optimistic that it touched my soul and reminded me to persevere no matter what and continue to share my own journey with depression to inspire others.

If you are struggling with difficult times or mental health challenges please remember the inspiring power of movies and the stories they tell. Movie heroes can help give you direction even when life seems hopeless. They can remind you to persevere, stay resilient and ignite your indestructible optimism.

Read more: The Women Behind ‘Still Alice’ — Using Their Brains to Fight Alzheimer’s

“I am not suffering. I am struggling. Struggling to be a part of things, to stay connected to who I once was.” 
Still Alice (2014)

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#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression, Winter Blues & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SEE INSPIRING PHOTOS & TIPS TO DEAL WITH DEPRESSION:
Motivatorman1 on Instagram!

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
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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

Tip#867: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 3 - Terminator Genisys

More than ever, at this point in my life, I am resonating with movies about rewriting or reprogramming the past. Time travel movies like the Back to the Future trilogy and Disney’s The Kid are inspiring me because I’ve currently reached an important chapter about Core Beliefs in the Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think book that’s part of my depression recovery. This is assigned through the 15 week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program I am participating in (see: tip#863)

This chapter is about identifying and targeting core beliefs, thoughts and statements lodged in my subconscious perpetuating depressed, negative thoughts, moods and behaviors. These beliefs may have started when I was a child and is a cognitive distortion that is potentially the cause of the mental challenges in my adult life. The idea is that depression can be alleviated by reprogramming core beliefs.

So it feels like I’m to time travel in my mind back to my childhood. And once again movies have synchronistically paralleled my life journey with the latest chapter in The Terminator film series!

Terminator Genisys (2015)

The science fiction action film, Terminator Genisys, is the fifth installment in the Terminator series and rewrites a whole new perspective of the events and timeline of the first film taking place in 1984. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as an aged Terminator who also faces his 1984 version in this action packed movie featuring a constant flow of references and catch phrases from past chapters. See: movie trailer

The most fascinating aspect of this movie is the re-writing of what fans of the first two Terminator films were used to seeing. Everything we thought we knew has changed and a new timeline unfolded. Focal points in Sarah Conner’s (Emilia Clarke) childhood were altered when a Terminator was sent to protect her. Plus there are many themes about reprogramming and facing one’s younger self that mirrored my current exploration and reprogramming of my core beliefs.

For me this film was an exercise in allowing my brain to comprehend its new story directions despite it feeling slightly confusing at first. A whole new reality was being introduced in the film and it inspired me to apply that concept in re-writing the focal point of core beliefs so my future and present reality is much brighter and free of depression. Time travel movies excite my imagination to anything being possible! I just needed to let go of old ways of thinking.

Let time travel films activate your imagination and expand your thoughts for solving challenges in your life or work. Let go of what you think you know especially if your current thinking has not solved long term problems. Be open to re-writing your story!

Related Tips:
Tip#179: Important Messages From The Kid - Disney's The Kid
Tip#682: What if You Could Go Back in Time? - Back to the Future Trilogy
Tip#573: You Can Rewrite Your Life, Part 2 – Frequency
Tip#389: Focus On The Reality You Want – Inception
Tip#499: Choose A Future - Mr. Nobody
Tip#803: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 6 – Interstellar
Tip#590: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt.1 - The Time Traveler’s Wife
Tip#759: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past
Tip#867: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 3 - Terminator Genisys

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
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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