Tip#934: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 2 – Dancing Barista – The Ellen DeGeneres Show – It Could Happen to You

It was Random Acts of Kindness Week (RAK) Feb 14-20, and I was honored to be a Kindness Ambassador for Steffi Black Coaching. It was a joy posting on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter daily film recommendations that demonstrated acts of kindness. Movie titles shared included Pay It Forward, Evan Almighty, Seven Pounds and the short film Validation.

A few days after Random Acts of Kindness Week there was news of a “dancing barista” from Toronto who appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Sam Forbes is an autistic 17 years old high school student working at Starbucks and says that dancing helps him concentrate and focus. Ellen is famous for random acts of kindness so it was an emotional moment when she gave him a trip to Japan that Sam had been dreamed about since he was 4 years old.

See Dancing Barista interview: The Ellen DeGeneres Show 

Sam burst into tears and his overflowing show of emotion touched my heart so deeply I cried tears of joy for him. It was such a powerful moment. It was like an amplified feeling I get whenever I or someone else I witness commits a random act of kindness. My heart just feels like it’s glowing. Ellen also gave Sam's boss Chris an amazing gift to celebrate his act of kindness for hiring Sam when others wouldn't. I highly recommend you see this interview and let it move your soul!

It Could Happen to You (1994)

The romantic comedy drama film, It Could Happen to You, is inspired by a true story of a New York City police officer Charlie Lang (Nicholas Cage) who wins a $4 million lottery and splits it with waitress Yvonne Biasi (Bridget Fonda) who he couldn’t pay a tip the day before. This story shows the positives and negatives of suddenly receiving a lot of money and yet the heartwarming performances of Cage and Fonda will shine through the dark times and make you feel so good! See: movie trailer

Both Charlie and Yvonne are extremely kind and generous to others in their lives and at work so they choose to share their money with others in the city. At one subway they pay for every commuters ride home and then later treat neighborhood children to a day out at Yankee Stadium. The newspapers cover this and their actions excite readers across the city. There’s much more to this story so I highly recommend you see to lift your spirits and hopes that people can be so beautiful and kind to one another!

Inspiring Themes:
• Love & Kindness
• Compassion & Altruism
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Community
• Power of the Media

According to the HeartMath Institute the heart, like the brain, generates a powerful electromagnetic field. Their studies show this field can be detected and measured several feet away from a person’s body and between two individuals in close proximity. I love the idea that this energy is what we all feel when our hearts are touched by witnessing or instigating a random act of kindness. I love the idea that this heart energy could extend far beyond a few feet and across a city, country and even our beautiful planet! Read more: HeartMath Institute

Be inspired by movies that demonstrate random acts of kindness that will touch your heart! Be moved by real-life stories and actions people take to make someone’s day a little brighter. Treat a stranger to something that will make them smile. Do something wonderful today and you will feel your heart radiate brightly like the warm sun above!

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

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#933: Resilience Resources, Part 21 - Depression - Under the Tuscan Sun

It’s amazing to look back and recognize all the factors that helped me stay resilient during the unexpected change and crisis I’ve faced over the years. I feel so blessed with all the supportive, loving relationships that helped fuel my drive and perseverance especially when dealing with depression.

Movies have also been an invaluable resilience resource for me and I recently rediscovered one that helped me during the dark year of 2010 when I went through a financial crisis and collapse of my life and business (see tip#400). And now six years later I watched it again and recognized even more how rich in inspiration the film can be for anyone going through difficult life or career changes.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

 The romantic comedy drama film, Under the Tuscan Sun, is about a recently divorced San Francisco writer named Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) who makes a big life change purchasing a villa in Tuscany, Italy. Based on the memoirs by Frances Mayes, this enchanting story is filled with many uplifting life lessons and wonderful, heartfelt performances by Lane as well as Sandra Oh and Lindsay Duncan. See: movie trailer

Frances is a powerful example of a strong movie hero because she demonstrates great courage dealing with depression and in stepping into the unknown while creating a new life in a new country. Once she purchases her villa you see how quickly she is helped and supported in her transition by the Tuscan community. And despite the difficulties adjusting, Frances shows perseverance, resilience and times of vulnerability to shed tears and anger when her new life looked hopeless. In one of her darkest moments, Frances is encouraged to have faith when told this story…

“There is a section of the Alps called the Semmering. It is an impossibly steep, very high part of the mountains. They built a train track over these Alps to connect Vienna and Venice. They built these tracks before there was a train in existence that could make the trip. They built it because they knew someday the train would come.” 

This story inspires Frances to believe that life will work out for her and that the love and relationships she seeks will someday come. Until then she learns to live in the moment and enjoy the good and bad days that unfold. That is when she realizes how rich her new life already is surrounded by many people and friends who love her.

Inspiring Themes:
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Courage
• Adaptability
• Facing fear of the unknown
• Supportive Relationships
• Community

Sometimes it’s difficult to see the richness in our lives when faced with unexpected change, crisis or depression. And when looking back you may realize you were surrounded by people and other resources that strengthened your will and resilience to continue. So do your best now to have faith and believe you will always have all the love and support you need when life looks dark. And when you need help in believing let your favourite movie heroes remind you of this!

“You have to live spherically in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm, and things will come your way.” 
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Related Tips:
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 
Tip#400: Recognize All Your Silver Linings – Under The Tuscan Sun 
Tip#855: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 1 - Depression & Mental Health - Tomorrowland  
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle  

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#932: Childhood Passions, Part 2 – A Good Year

“Once you find something good, you have to take care of it. You have to let it grow.” 
A Good Year (2006)

I recently returned to RNC Employment Services in Aurora, Ontario to facilitate my workshop called The Bright Side of Career Transitions. It was a wonderful audience that included business owners, job seekers and newcomers to Canada. And some were big movie lovers so it made the event even more fun for me!

In the workshop I emphasized that a career transition is a fantastic opportunity to find work one is passionate about. It was a chance to focus on the talents and skills they enjoy doing and also identify the industry or companies that excited them. A passion could also stem from something they loved doing as a child. These activities can also re-ignite positive emotional energy and a renewed sense of purpose! 

"What a great presentation! 

I left feeling like I could accomplish anything!" 

Jiji O'Brien 

"Emmanuel’s workshop helped me think of my passion and my ideal position and picture myself in my dream company; hopefully with such optimism, I can find the job I'm looking for. Thank you."  

Shima Tezval 

A Good Year (2006)

The romantic comedy drama film, A Good Year, is about British investment broker and workaholic, Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) who suddenly inherits his Uncle Henry’s (Albert Finney) vineyard estate in Provence in south-eastern France. This visually sumptuous movie, with a fantastic music soundtrack, shows off the magical beauty of the land, people and French lifestyle as Max rediscovers his happy childhood visits there. See: movie trailer

As an adult Max is successful at work and yet unethical, single and without family. When he returns to the sunshine of the vineyard heartwarming memories and flashbacks of his childhood slowly remind Max of what he loved growing up. He even finds romance with local café waitress, Fanny Chenal (Marion Cotillard). The inheritance was first seen as another financial opportunity but Max’s heart helps him choose a more fulfilling lifestyle around people he loves and who loves him back.

This film was considered a box-office bomb and received many negative reviews when it was released. And though I agree that the film had its flaws when I first saw it, it got better and better and more enjoyable over the years! Just like the wine in the movie.

Sometimes in our adult life we lose our childhood passions because we are too focused on making money. And sometimes the loss of a job, a mid-life crisis or unexpected events can be a gift of time to rediscover what you loved growing up. It’s a chance to remember activities, places and people that made you feel alive and happy as a child. This could be the golden opportunity to do what you love with people you love at a job you love!

Related Tips:
Tip#178: Childhood Passions, Part 1 - The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - Star Trek 
Tip#932: Childhood Passions, Part 2 – A Good Year
Tip#906: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 1 - Top 10 Movies
Tip#28: Childhood Memories of Chocolate: Part 2 of 4 - Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory
 Tip#122: The Bright Side of Career Transitions - Top 10 Movie Tips

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#931: Self-Awareness – Breaking the Fourth Wall – Easter Eggs – Deadpool

Self-awareness is about having a clear perception of your personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation and emotions. I believe increasing this awareness is vital to everyone and is definitely the silver lining of learning from my own adversities. It helps me be a better person at work and in life.

When characters in movies become self-aware it is often amusing because they begin to speak to us, the audience. They realize they exist within a movie! This is called “breaking the fourth wall” which I wrote about for the film The Big Short (see tip#919). This concept has been taken to a whole new level in the superhero film Deadpool where the main character breaks the fourth wall of the fourth wall! And if you are a comic book fan or superhero movie fan you will enjoy it more because of the numerous pop culture references throughout the story.

Deadpool (2016)

The superhero romantic comedy film, Deadpool, is about former Special Forces operative Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) who is chemically mutated through an experiment giving him accelerated healing powers. This entertaining, action-packed R-rated film is almost a parody of other superhero movies in a very clever way. See: Red Band trailer

Deadpool is also overflowing with “easter eggs” which is a term referring to an intentional inside joke or hidden message. Almost every joke Wade/Deadpool makes is a reference to something related to comics, other comic book movies, or something within pop culture. Here are some of my favourites. SPOILER ALERT if you haven’t seen yet! Stop reading now!

For these easter eggs to make sense you’d have to have seen the X-Men movies which 20th Century Fox produces. This film features two X-Men characters and at one point Deadpool makes a crack about 20th Century Fox not being able to afford more X-Men for this movie! Also when Deadpool is told about going to see Professor X he asks, "McAvoy or Stewart?" This is a funny reference to actors James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart who play the X-Men leader when he was young and older during the X-Men film series. Playfully brilliant!

These are examples of breaking the fourth wall of a fourth wall. The character Deadpool is self-aware he exists in a movie and he is also self-aware of the actors in the real world that play the characters in the movies. This is so surreal and bizarre that it reminds me of how crazy time travel stories can be and make my head spin!

If what I just wrote intrigues you then check out the film and stay for the funny after end credits scene! And the self-awareness angle can be thought provoking because it can make you think about breaking out of the fourth wall in your life. It’s about stepping outside your problems and seeing them from a whole new perspective. That’s how solutions appear, outside your current mindset.

Movies can always help you escape for awhile from the challenges in your life or work. Cinema can also help you become self-aware of your strengths, thoughts and more. Films are much more than entertainment, they can be a fantastic resource for breaking your fourth wall!

See More: Check Out This Video That Catches A Ridiculous Amount of Deadpool Easter Eggs

Related Tips:
Tip#919: Learning through Movies, Part 1 - The Big Short

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#930: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 4 – Mary Kom

As of this writing it is a chilly February morning and I’m feeling high symptoms of the winter blues that I usually feel at this time. Key symptoms are loss of concentration, feelings of hopelessness and heaviness in the arms and legs. Winter blues is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is a form of depression. And since I’ve been diagnosed with a clinical depression called dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) it’s hard to identify if I’m feeling one or the other (see tip#855). Either way movies are always the perfect antidote for lifting my spirits and re-activating my indestructible optimism!

Recently on an extra cold day my intuition told me to finally see the biographical film Mary Kom. This inspiring film not only introduced me to an extraordinary woman but also to the beautiful land of Manipur in northeastern India. Seeing the rich colours of the fields and mountains was like a delicious mug of hot cocoa that my eyes and soul drank in deeply. The film took me away on a mini vacation and the movie hero gave me many life lessons to persevere in the low energy and heaviness of the day I was having.

Mary Kom (2014)

The Indian biographical sports film, Mary Kom, is about Indian boxer Mary Kom (Priyanka Chopra), a poor rice farmer’s daughter coming from the small village of Manipur to become an Olympic bronze-medalist and a five-time world champion. Based on the true story of a women still competing today it is a powerful and motivational film for women and girls of all ages and all cultures. See: movie trailer

This movie is inspiring in so many ways such as facing career and life challenges while following a passion, dream or goal. Since childhood Mary showed persistence and tenacity for standing up for herself and later for learning the sport of boxing. And despite the negative, unsupportive attitude of her father, the boxing commission and the Indian culture she lived in, she perseveres with all her heart and soul. Ironically, Mary’s most challenging opponents were actually outside the ring.

There is also a great love story here. Mary learns how to find a balance of having a family and a career thanks to the loving support of her best friend and husband Onler (Darshan Kumaar). His wisdom and consistent encouragement is inspiring to witness! She also had the support of her coach, trainer, teacher and mentor Narjit Singh (Sunil Thapa) showing that success is always a team effort.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Confidence
• Following a Passion
• Persistence & Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism 
• Leadership
• Supportive Relationships
• Work/Life Balance
• Community

This boxing story may have similar elements already seen in Hollywood movies like Million Dollar Baby or Rocky and yet it is the music and settings within the Indian culture and location of Manipur that makes this film so unique. It gives people around the world a taste of daily life, traditions and community of a beautiful land!

So when you are feeling down, discouraged or dealing with winter blues or depression remember to lift yourself up with an inspiring movie. You may even discover a strong women character that could motivate you by their story of courage. Let these movie heroes help you follow your passions. Let them show you how to tap into your inner strengths and face your opponents in life and at work with overflowing confidence!

“Girls just have to get the same chance and opportunity and they will top every field, not only sports.”
Mary Kom (2014)

Related Tips:
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle 
Tip#860: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 2 - Spy 
Tip#929: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 3 - Aliens 
Tip#930: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 4 – Mary Kom 
Tip#968: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 5 - Erin Brockovich  
Tip#1024: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 6 - Women’s March – Made in Dagenham
Tip#501: How Women in Movies Inspire a Leadership Mindset 

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW
on MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes 

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
 Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016