Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy

“You need to find a way to get back to yourself.” 
Love & Mercy (2015)

When I went back to Canada’s Wonderland this summer for the first time since I worked there as a caricature artist in 1981-86 (see tip#700) I felt a bit of melancholy. I was reminded of my incredibly creative years of my youth and running my illustration business as well as the recent decade of losing a big part of myself to chronic depression (see tip#855). I was reminded that I am still not living as fully as I could be.

This year of 2015 I’ve been focused on getting the help I need which I’ve been documenting on this movie blog. And yet sometimes it’s difficult to ask for help because there is a sense of comfort in the withdrawal symptoms I feel like the eternal comfort of a soft warm bed. Thankfully I discovered a movie that mirrored some of my challenges, as well as my creative spirit, and inspires me to step out of my comfort zone.

Love & Mercy (2015)

The biographical drama film, Love & Mercy, is the story of musician-songwriter Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys covering two time periods of the extreme highs and lows of his life and career. Stunning performances from Paul Dano as Brian-Past and John Cusack as Brian-Future along with fantastic music of The Beach Boys. See: movie teaser

The Brian-Past scenes of the 60’s highlighted Brian’s creative genius and process showing behind-the-scenes making of The Beach Boy’s innovative Pet Sounds album. It also showed how his growing mental illness and drug use fueled his creative juices. The fantastic music featured songs like one of my favourites “God Only Knows” used beautifully at the end of the movie Love Actually.

The Brian-Future scenes focused on the 80’s where Brian’s mental illness has left him broken and under the questionable care of therapist Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti). Brian also mentions that he spent three years in bed overeating and self-medicating. It was ultimately inspiring to see that despite the mental pain Brian endures that he found someone supportive and loving like Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks) who believed in him no matter what.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resilience
• Supportive Relationships
• Mental Health

The magic of movies can help mirror the past, present and future possibilities of your life. Recognize the emotional triggers the cinematic stories and characters create for you and remember that these feelings are meaningful. They will help you get back to yourself and your inner strengths and resilience!

Related Tips:
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#805: Resilience Resources, Part 2 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Tip#810: Resilience Resources, Part 3 – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A League of Their Own
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#813: Resilience Resources, Part 6 - 50 First Dates 
Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild 
Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tip#823: Resilience Resources, Part 9 – Super Bowl -Invincible
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#834: Resilience Resources, Part 14 - Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy
Tip#892: Resilience Resources, Part 18 – Problem Solving - The Martian 
Tip#896: Resilience Resources, Part 19 - Depression – J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: 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