Tip#943: Food & Family Memories - Tortilla Soup

I was feeling down this past Easter because the holiday weekend fell on my Dad’s birthday. He would have been 81 years old and I was missing him and our family gatherings growing up. I missed our meals together and the times he introduced us to delicious restaurants and foods he discovered like Swiss Chalet rotisserie chicken!

So it was a magical moment when a friend and I walked by a Swiss Chalet on Good Friday and decided to have dinner there. I felt that my Dad had guided us there instead of the restaurant we planned to go to! So in honor of him I had a classic ¼ chicken dinner with fries and their world famous dipping sauce. I added ribs for this special occasion! For dessert my Dad always ordered warmed apple pie with a scoop of ice cream so even though I was full I ordered that dessert in memory of my Dad.

I have other wonderful memories of my Dad and food. I remember he loved having fried eggs with rice so I occasionally cook this for myself in the mornings. He also loved Maple Leaf Vienna Sausages so a couple times a year I’d see these at the supermarket and get some to take home. When I fry them up and hear, smell and see them crackle in the frying pan oil it warms my soul and makes me feel my Dad is here with me.

Tortilla Soup (2001)

The comedy-drama film, Tortilla Soup, is about semi-retired Mexican-American chef Martin Naranjo (Héctor Elizondo) sharing his Los Angeles home with his three adult daughters Leticia (Elizabeth Peña), Carmen (Jacqueline Obradors) and Maribel (Tamara Mello). The entertaining story is based on the Taiwanese film, Eat Drink Man Woman. This movie is also visually rich and tantalizing with all its scenes of Mexican food being prepared and enjoyed! See: movie trailer

Each of the three daughters is going through their own life dramas which they share at dinner time each night. And in between their stories of going through life challenges it is so exciting to see Martin preparing the colourful meals. This is one of those foodie films that makes your mouth water and eager to taste these homemade dishes!

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Sense of Family
• Supportive Relationships
• Entrepreneurial Spirit

In the end the food and family gatherings on screen make me think about my own Dad and my family growing up. My soul is warmed by the images of love, compassion and even arguments between the characters. I then feel so grateful for these memories of my Dad, Mom and siblings for re-energizing my spirit when I felt down. And, of course, I am thankful for the memories of the delicious foods we shared that I still keep alive today!

Food and family can bring up powerful, nostalgic memories. Movies that feature food can also inspire and trigger happy images growing up. Find these films that lift your spirits and they can be your resilience resources whenever you feel down, lost or stuck in life. Let these movies feed your soul and remind you of joyful times with family. You’ll feel re-energized to move forward again with delicious enthusiasm!

Related Tips:
Tip#660: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 1 – Fast & Furious 6 
Tip#796: Comfort Food for Your Cinematic Soul – Planes, Trains and Automobiles

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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#942: Superheroes in Movies & TV - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

I grew up loving superhero comic books from both Marvel and DC. So it is an exciting time as an adult to have witnessed the flourishing Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe. These are the official terms for the two brands offering movies and TV shows based on their superhero titles.

As of this writing I have seen and enjoyed all of the Marvel film series beginning with Iron Man and leading up to The Avengers: Age of Ultron. I’ve also enjoyed 20th Century Fox’s X-Men series and the other character films they own (except the 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four!). I really liked some of the Spider-Man films and reboots as well. On TV I’ve been blown away by the two seasons of Daredevil Netflix that are a much darker, violent tone then the films.

From the DC TV shows, I’ve been enjoying The Flash and Supergirl (see tip#912) especially because of they exude so much fun, joy and exciting superhero action scenes. On the other hand the DC movies are much more darker in tone which started with the Warner Bros. Dark Knight Trilogy (which I enjoyed). However with the Superman reboot, Man of Steel in 2013, DC characters went even darker. Gone was the joy and wonder I loved from 1978’s Superman movie (see tip#257).

And now Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has been released and I have extremely positive and negative feelings about this film. And I’m not alone as all you have to do is check out the mixed and harsh reviews online. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to feature the film on my blog as a motivational resource so I will just add to the online reviews and discussions for you to decide what you think.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

The superhero action drama, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, is the startup film leading to the team up of DC comics superheroes for the Justice League movie series. Among a number of plot lines this film debates the pros and cons of having vigilantes like Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) running loose on Earth. See: movie trailer

There are so many pros and cons to this film that I will focus on a few. First there are many amazing, visually stunning moments featuring Superman and/or Batman in action. The biggest highlight for me was seeing Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) who had a fantastic presence anytime she was on screen. And then there is a thrilling cameo of The Flash that sets up the Justice League movies. This scene got me very excited about the upcoming films!

Unfortunately, the story didn’t make me care about the characters so I wasn’t emotionally invested. And I really wanted to care because Batman and Superman are characters I loved growing up. The film is also poorly edited, scripted and overly dark in mood for me that I can only recommend that you watch it and decide for yourself.

In the end, this is a necessary, must-see movie because it's like a long trailer for the new DC movie series to compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe series. The film sets up the cinematic world for Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg and more superhero characters.

So whether you are a Marvel or DC comics fan or fan of both we are all in for a lifetime filled with superhero movies! You get your choice, either on TV or on the big screen, for light and fun stories or dark, brooding ones. As long as you are entertained and you get something meaningful from them then that’s all that matters. Everyone will have favourites. Which ones are yours?

See more:
• Marvel Cinematic Universe
• DC Extended Universe

ON SALE NOW:
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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#941: Celebrating Life & Death - Meet Joe Black

Last year I lost two close friends to cancer while several years ago another close friend named Chris had taken his own life. I was thinking of them all because of the recent unexpected passing of former Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford who had been battling cancer. Life can unexpectedly end when we least expect it. My three friends may be gone but I think about them every day because of the little beautiful differences they made in my life.

Chris, who had suffered from an unspecified mental issue, encouraged me to use honey as a sweetener for my coffee instead of sugar over a decade ago. To this day I always use honey and it makes me think of him and feel his spirit is with me every time I enjoy a delicious cup of hot coffee. I get to celebrate his life in this small, joyful way!

Meet Joe Black (1998)

The fantasy romance drama film, Meet Joe Black, is about successful businessman Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) who is enlisted by Death (Brad Pitt) to teach him what it is like to be human. This highly entertaining and emotional film features great performances from the entire cast as it celebrates many aspects of life. See: movie trailer 

Bill’s deal with Death allows him a few more days to live and he uses them to spend more time with his family Susan (Claire Forlani), Allison (Marcia Gay Harden) and her husband Quince (Jeffrey Tambor). He enjoys every moment with them especially at their family dinners. At the same time Death, going by the name of Joe Black, shows playfully exquisite joy over the taste of peanut butter and other foods. He also discovers romantic love with Susan and what it’s like to love another human being.

This film is overflowing with heartfelt insights about life, death, family and love. It is also part of my list of films I recommend for helping one grieve (see tip#436). The movie is a reminder to live as fully as possible in the present with the people we love and to really taste all the flavours life has to offer.

Remind yourself every day to cherish each moment. Savor every sip of delicious coffee or drink you are having. Love each second you are with a friend or family member. And if a loved one has passed celebrate the difference they made it your life that brings you joy. That’s how they live on forever!

Related Tips:
Tip#436: Healing Movies For The Death of a Loved One
Tip#109: Celebrate More: Part 1 - Elf 

ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
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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#940: Passion & Perseverance, Part 10 - The Greatest Game Ever Played

I recently did a workshop introducing my Recipe for Resilience to newcomers to Canada. It was raining that morning and yet the attendees who showed up proved that they were eager and dedicated to their own personal and professional development! As always I started out by sharing my challenges with burnout and clinical depression and how my three keys for resilience can help them.

It is always a joy to witness in my workshops how quickly a room of strangers can become more energetic and bonding once they start sharing their passions and pleasure activities. Some participants were from South Asia, Philippines, Brazil, Russia, Yugoslavia and China. And though they were from different parts of the world they made deeper connections with one another over shared passions like food, cooking, reading, traveling and the love of family.

Identifying and indulging in one’s passion is a huge first step towards one’s goals because it helps re-energize the mind and heart which leads to enthusiasm, confidence and a drive forward. It is the fuel that helps someone deal with difficult times and transitions in career and in a new country.

The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

The biographical sports drama film, The Greatest Game Ever Played, is based on the true story of the early life of golf champion Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf). It is also the story of legendary British golf pro Harry Vardon (Stephan Dillane) who inspired Francis to golf at 7 years old. They end up competing against one another at the 1913 U.S. Open. This entertaining and inspiring film is also visually exciting in its unique ways of showing golf in action. See: movie trailer 

Francis loved golf so much that it fueled his perseverance while playing in the rain and the much older, experienced players. His passion sustained him when faced with prejudice for coming from a poor working class background. He also has to deal with a father who didn’t support his talents or love of golf. Despite these and other adversities Francis demonstrates all three key factors of my Recipe for Resilience.

1) Re-energize Yourself:
Francis energizes his drive and confidence with the pleasure activity of golf. He is also energized by the people who believed in him such as his mother, key club members, Eddie his young caddy, Sarah the wealthy girl he likes and even Harry Vardon during the competition.

2) Activate Indestructible Optimism:
Francis remains optimistic because he is able to visualize each successful swing. He can see the destination of each hit of his golf ball. Focus is the key here for optimism. Francis focused on the positives even when faced with negative situations such as pouring rain, competing against world champion players or a father who didn’t support him.

3) Build Supportive Relationships:
As mentioned in key factor #1 Francis was always energized with the support of his mother, key club members, Eddie, Sarah and Harry. In addition he began building the support of the spectators and the media as he persevered in the grueling U.S. Open. His passion inspired others to support him.

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

Whether you are a newcomer to another country, following a dream or needing to accomplish a goal remember to always keep your passion alive and burning hot. It is your fuel during dark and difficult times. The things you love and love doing will help fuel your enthusiasm and confidence to persevere. Find favourite movie heroes and real-life heroes to inspire you. Sometimes you just need your passion to be re-ignited to get you through the rain!

Related Tips:
Tip#534: Passion & Perseverance, Part 1 – 100th Year Anniversary - Titanic 
Tip#543: Passion & Perseverance, Part 2 – The Natural, Director's Cut 
Tip#652: Passion & Perseverance, Part 3 - The Company You Keep 
Tip#691: Passion & Perseverance, Part 4 - Rocky
Tip#731: Passion & Perseverance, Part 5 – The Right Kind of Wrong
Tip#752: Passion & Perseverance, Part 6 - Dolphin Tale
Tip#760: Passion & Perseverance, Part 7 - Today’s Special
Tip#864: Passion & Perseverance, Part 8 - Danny Collins
Tip#885: Passion & Perseverance, Part 9 - Outbreak
Tip#940: Passion & Perseverance, Part 10 - The Greatest Game Ever Played

ON SALE NOW:
Top Inspiring Women in the Movies:
15 Films for Leadership at Work & in Life
A New eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click here

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