Tip#891: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 3 - The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

Nostalgia:
A bittersweet yearning for things, persons or situations of the past

When I feel nostalgic there is always a twinge of sadness and in the past week several events triggered this feeling. I first attended an art gallery opening for the father of a high school friend Joe and had a heartwarming reunion with another high school art colleague Heather. It touched my heart to be reminded of good times we had during my teen years.

Next, my favourite band ELO also released a single from their first album in almost 15 years called When I was a Boy. Mostly a solo album by leader Jeff Lynne, it still invoked nostalgic memories of the late 70’s albums I loved like “Out of the Blue” that featured Sweet Talkin’ Woman and Mr. Blue Sky. Listen: When I was a Boy

And sadly my friend Lynn Manwar, who I’ve featured in my Movies for Motivation book, finally passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was the angel who came to my rescue and offered her condo’s extra room when I needed a home. And she had inspired me with her incredible resilience and indestructible optimism for the years I’d known her. Lynn’s passing was tearful but later made me remember all the fun social events we’d see each other constantly at during a time we were socializing almost every day!

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

The science fiction adventure comedy film, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, is about the multi-talented Dr. Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller) a physicist, neurosurgeon, test pilot and rock musician and how he saves the world from inter-dimensional aliens. This imaginative, eclectic movie features hilarious dialogue and performances by John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd and Jeff Goldblum. See: movie trailer 

Seeing this film recently really triggered nostalgic feelings of high school with its 80’s sounding music soundtrack and fashions. Its creative spirit reminded me of my own overflowing creativity in the mid 80’s while attending the art college OCA (now OCADU). It’s movies like this, good friends and music from the past that trigger that deep, profound feeling inside me that's both happy and sad at the same time.

During the film there are characters that pass away. But what I loved is during the end credits all the characters come back and join Buckaroo Banzai as they walk joyfully together with a happy soundtrack playing. That is what I picture for my friend Lynn and other loved ones I’ve lost when it’s my time. We’ll all see each other again in another life.

Nostalgia can feel happy and sad and yet it can also be uplifting. Find those friends, music and movies that remind you of happy times from your life today! Drink in the memories and smile!

Related Tips:
Tip#356: Feel Good from Nostalgia - Big Trouble In Little China 
Tip#631: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 1 - Paul Williams Still Alive 
Tip#862: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 2 – Jurassic World 
Tip#891: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 3 - The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension 
Tip#935: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 4 – Logan’s Run
Tip#1019: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 5 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#1023: The Uplifting Power of Nostalgia, Part 6 – Rocky Balboa & Creed - Double Feature 

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



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#890: Creative Visualization, Part 2 - Mental Health - Pawn Sacrifice

I am so grateful there are many biographical films that inspire me to persevere with my life and work as I heal from clinical depression. Movies such as A Beautiful Mind (mathematician John Nash), The Theory of Everything (future physicist Stephan Hawking) and Temple Grandin (autism activist Temple Grandin) are just a few fantastic examples that encourage me over and over again to stay strong no matter what! They all dealt with mental health challenges.

One of the key factors in these three films is each individual excelled in using their creative visualization skills. They were able to actually see in their mind the problems they needed to solve. And through wonderful special effects these films allow us to see what they see. I recently discovered another powerful film that demonstrates creative visualization on an epic scale!

Pawn Sacrifice (2014)

The biographical thriller film, Pawn Sacrifice, is based on the true story of American chess legend and prodigy, Bobby Fischer (Toby Maguire) growing up as a child and then competing in the 1972 World Chess Championship with Soviet Grandmaster Boris Spassky (Live Schreiber). This highly entertaining film has great performances by the cast that includes Peter Sarsgaard as Father Bill Lombardy. See: movie trailer

Seeing Fischer’s creative visualization abilities is astounding especially when he was just a young boy. You see that he continually practiced chess moves in his head day and night. He also had a dream and vision of being the world chess champion which he made come true. However the other part of the film’s story is Fischer’s mental health and how paranoia and anxiety was destroying his relationships and his responsibilities at tournaments.

Inspiring themes:
• Having a Dream
• Creative Visualization
• Strategic Thinking
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Mental Health
• Supportive Relationships

Biographical films can be highly inspiring when you are dealing with challenges at work, in life or your mental health. These films based on real people can encourage you to visualize a more positive future and help you stay strong when life seems hopeless. The heroes in these movies may not be alive today but their stories of strength, resilience and successes will always be here to mirror your own potentials!

Related Tips:
Tip#831: Creative Visualization, Part 1 - Reticular Activating System (RAS) - Focus
Tip#890: Creative Visualization, Part 2 - Mental Health - Pawn Sacrifice  
Tip#980: Creative Visualization, Part 3 – Mental Imagery - Rio Olympics 2016 – 4 Inspiring Movies
Tip#389: Focus On The Reality You Want – Inception 
Tip#568: Visualization & Your Imagination, Part 1 – 6 Movie Tips
Tip#663: Visualization & Your Imagination, Part 2 – Bedtime Stories
Tip#759: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past
Tip#408: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 1 – Pecha Kucha Night – Temple Grandin
Tip#880: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 2 - Fantastic Voyage

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Inspiration & Epiphanies



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#889: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 1 – Depression - Seven Pounds

I recently met up with a friend for dinner whom I hadn’t seen since a prolonged depression episode back eight months ago. She told me I was looking so much better then when she saw me last. That made me feel so good because I felt acknowledged. She also helped me feel grateful I was currently in a more vibrant state of mind. Being around good friends (and good food!) is actually excellent therapy for me!

Living my life with depression has made me sensitive to seeing similar pain in other people’s eyes. It could be sadness, a sense of loss, hurt or hopelessness. When this happens I do my best to commit a random act of kindness even if it means making eye contact and giving a simple smile or saying hello to a stranger I pass on the sidewalk. Most often their eyes light up and they smile back!

I remember months ago I was walking home with groceries and feeling so low and hopeless. Suddenly an old man walking by  said to me, "Have a great day!" and smiled. That simple act of kindness shocked me out of the negative mood I was in and I felt so much better for the rest of the day!

Seven Pounds (2008)

The drama film, Seven Pounds, is about Tim Thomas (Will Smith) who is on a mission to change the lives of seven people. That’s all you need to know to enjoy this unique story. I recommend you allow this mystery slowly unfold o reveal each precious piece of the puzzle right to the very end. Smith’s performance is emotionally powerful along with Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson and Barry Pepper. See: movie trailer

Smith’s performance is astonishing because of the pain you see him try to hide behind his eyes and body language. And it was fascinating to see a film where you are not sure about the central character’s motives but slowly realize he is committing random acts of kindness. Despite negative reviews by critics I found this film to be a hidden gem for many inspiring themes…

Inspiring themes:
• Selflessness & Altruism
• Perseverance
• Courage
• Sacrifice
• Redemption

Making eye contact with people can be difficult sometimes. However, if you recognize pain, sadness or hopelessness in someone’s eyes remember that a simple smile or hello can lift their spirits in an instance. Acknowledgement is powerful. And if they happen to look good then let them know that too! A random act of kindness can go a long way!

Related Tips:
Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness – Depression - Seven Pounds
Tip#934: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 2 – Dancing Barista – The Ellen DeGeneres Show – It Could Happen to You
Tip#1005: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 3 - Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
Tip#1067: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 4 – Top 10 Movies for Kindness
Tip#190: Do A Daily Challenge – Pay It Forward 
Tip#751: The Joy of Helping Others - Clueless - Miss Match 
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film)  
Tip#835: You Are Awesome! Part 2 - The Duff 
Tip#326: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 1 - Groundhog Day 
Tip#838: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 2 – Mental Health in the Workplace - What Women Want 
Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter  

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Inspiration & Epiphanies



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#888: Trust Your Gut, Part 2 - The Big Picture

Staying on top of a new, nutritional diet can be a challenge when you are surrounded by delicious, rich foods and alcohol overflowing at the parties I attended at the recent Toronto International Film Festival (see tip#886)! As written in tip#880 about the Brain Maker book, my higher probiotic diet and supplements have significantly reduced my depression symptoms.

On the other hand I still indulged in foods I wasn’t suppose to eat because of the Film Festival and just had to trust my gut about how much to eat and drink. The ironic word being "gut". After all there are so many diet books and experts out there telling you what to eat and not eat that you really have to trust in your own intuition about what is best for you!

See more food/diet photos on my Instagram page called:

The Film Food Friends Project

It’s also about having a vision about your end goal. That vision is your target and destination. And like any destination you just need to make your own decision of how to get there.

The Big Picture (1989)

The comedy film, The Big Picture, is about recent award-winning film school graduate Nick Chapman (Kevin Bacon) who learns the highs and lows of working on his first Hollywood movie. This hilarious satire of people in the film industry is brimming with great performances and cameos by stars like Martin Short, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael McKean, Teri Hatcher, John Cleese and more. See: movie trailer 

There are many life lessons to learn from this charming film such as maintain integrity with friends and co-workers. The biggest lesson is seeing Chapman’s vision of his movie get slowly wittled down and destroyed by each new idea studio executives say they want to see happen. Witnessing Chapman slowly sell out is both funny and sad as he begins to lose himself and the people he cares about the most. In the end this is an inspiring story of redemption and how losing everything helps someone find his soul and path again.

 Inspiring themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Confidence & Courage
• Teamwork
• Have a vision
• Trust your gut

Movie heroes can inspire you to trust your gut when making decisions in your workplace and life. They can remind you that when people bombard you with their own thoughts and opinions that, in the end, you must make a responsible decision. Trust your gut and ultimately, you'll be listening to your heart!

Related Tips:
Tip#616: Trust Your Gut, Part 1 - Jack Reacher 
Tip#888: Trust Your Gut, Part 2 - The Big Picture

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
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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#887: Decluttering Will Free Your Mind, Part 2 - TINY: A Story About Living Small

If you’ve been reading this blog over the years then you know my life in the past 15 years has been a series of mental, physical and spiritual clearing. Five years ago I lost my home and most of my belongings (see tip#400) and although that may sound devastating I remember my gut was telling me at the time that it was time I needed a radical stripping down/transformation of my life.

I now live very simply with only the essentials of living in a small semi-basement apartment. Over the past five years I moved six times and each time stripped down even more of non-essentials. And with my recent computer crash (see tip#870). I’m now even more portable working with my new used Macbook Pro laptop! I’ve learned to embrace this profound simplifying of my life and, with my recent mental health improvements (see tip#880), I’ve been building a new solid foundation of living small while still thinking big!

TINY: A Story About Living Small (2013)

The documentary, TINY: A Story About Living Small, is about Daryl Gibson’s dream and vision of building a house small enough to fit on top of a car trailer. With the help of his girlfriend Merete Mueller they learn to construct a house within a year from scratch with no construction experience. With the gorgeous scenery of Colorado mountains, this fascinating film also looks at other examples of tiny homes across America and the simplified lifestyles these people have embraced. See: movie trailer

It was inspiring to see Daryl persevere and follow his dream and to see teamwork through the loving support of his girlfriend. And I loved hearing the stories of other tiny homeowners that have redefined their priorities in a time of changing financial and environmental climates.

Inspiring themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Confidence & Courage
• Having a Vision
• Teamwork

If you’ve been overwhelmed with clutter in your home or your life then it may be time to redefine your lifestyle. It may be time to strip away the inessentials of your house. It’s been said that your external life is a reflection of your inner life. So by clear your clutter and you will free your mind!

Related Tips:
Tip#270: Decluttering Will Free Your Mind, Part 1 – 5 Movie Tips 
Tip#887: Decluttering Will Free Your Mind, Part 2 - TINY: A Story About Living Small
Tip#372: The Positives of Being Stripped of Belongings – G20 Toronto Pt.4 – Peaceful Warrior 
Tip#400: Recognize All Your Silver Linings – Under The Tuscan Sun 
Tip#653: Passion, Perseverance & People - Iron Man 3 
Tip#262: Learn To Let Go, Part 1 - Up 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
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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#886: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 5 - Walk the Line

The 40th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF is in full swing here in Toronto and I had a fantastic time at two film festival parties so far! What was different about these events was that I was feeling like my old, energetic enthusiastic self! As I wrote in a recent blog post (tip#884) my mood has been extremely positive with no depression symptoms for a week now!

And since I believe our thoughts and feelings can be magnetic I was meeting wonderful new people just by standing in one spot at these parties. At an opening night party for the comedy “Us” the director Rob Tari was standing next to me so I introduced myself and congratulated him on his new movie. He surprised me by immediately saying he knew who I was and that he’s read my movie blog!

More magical connections happened at the Pix Ray VFX/Lategan Media Group International Filmmakers Reception where I had the pleasure of meeting this Amazon beauty, actress Avaah Blackwell, who could be a future Marvel movie superhero because of her 10+ years of advanced martial arts training! Her gorgeous dress was by Azalea Yang. When she found out I was a blogger she was excited to ask for advice for her own blog called Life on Camera which is documenting her journey as an actress.

It was so heartwarming and encouraging to connect with new people who exuded an inspiring sense of community and support. Once again this synchronistically reflected how I felt after recently feeling compelled to see the film Walk the Line for the first time!

Walk the Line (2005)

The biographical film, Walk the Line, is based on the early life and career of country music artist Johnny Cash. The amazing music and the electric chemistry between Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and country singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) are highlights in this powerfully engaging story. Witherspoon won an Oscar for Best Actress. See: movie trailer

This film was inspiring on so many levels. Cash had a vision and dream of being a singer and persevered to seeing that vision come true. He also endured and overcame substance addiction and depression. In addition, June demonstrated a strong sense of character and loyal support for helping Cash when he was at his lowest in life. Phoenix and Witherspoon also blew me away when I discovered they trained hard to sing all their songs and learned to play their instruments from scratch!

I loved seeing Cash perform for the prison inmates after reading supportive letters from them about how much his music meant to them. Cash also documented his life experiences into his song lyrics and that was inspiring to me because this was my intention for this movie blog and to make a difference in other people’s lives. There are many people to thank for how good I’ve been feeling lately. 

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Having a vision
• Supportive Relationships
• Friendship & Unconditional Love
• Believing in Yourself
• Redemption

There are friends who gave me the probiotics insights (see tip#880) and new Hawaiian spiritual practices I needed for improving my mental health (more about that soon). And there were all the wonderful Facebook friends and readers of my movie blog that continually send me uplifting words of support and love. Thank you all!

Be inspired by the uplifting movies, people and stories you discover that demonstrate loving support. And be inspired to be supportive for others as well and you’ll be creating an indestructibly optimistic community!

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 FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
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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