Tip#1074: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 5 - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

The Christmas vacation I'm on in sunny Las Vegas has been extra memorable because of several amazing random acts of kindness I experienced. I’ve either witnessed, had given or received these acts of kindness. What stood out were two amazing moments that sent huge waves of love and joy through me!

Pizza Slice at Costco

I was sitting with my mom enjoying delicious polish sausages at Costco. We shared a table with a couple that just got a large pizza. I asked if it tasted good because I'd never tried it. The man said yes and offered me a slice. I said no thank you but he said they had more than enough and insisted I take a slice. So I did and it was one of the best melt-in-your-mouth pizzas I've ever had! Plus I was so in awe and grateful for this man's unexpected kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit. Truly felt the love of the holiday season from a stranger here in Las Vegas. See post and join me on: My Instagram

Little Girl & Peppermint Candies

On Christmas Eve in Las Vegas, I was at midnight mass in my mom's church where she sings in the choir when I saw this cute little girl randomly go up to strangers giving them a little candy. One by one I'd see these people give a big smile and sometimes a hug for the little girl. She later walked up to me where I was sitting and gleefully looked me in the eye and gave me a Bob's Sweet Stripes Soft Peppermint Candy! Her random act of kindness touched my heart and I thanked her enthusiastically. She truly demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas and made my Christmas extra special! See post and join me on: My Instagram

As I wrote in tip#1067 on what Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies.”. I definitely felt a shot of serotonin and love throughout my whole being with these two uplifting experiences. I also happened to finally watch a film that won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF 2017 that surprised me with three wonderful examples for random acts of kindness!



Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The comedy, drama film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, is about a divorced mother, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), challenging local authorities to solve her daughter's murder through three bold billboard messages she purchases. This powerful, engaging and humorous film features many outstanding performances that include McDormand as well as Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, Samara Weaving and more. See: Red band movie trailer (warning profanity)

So many of the performances were note perfect such as the absolutely riveting Frances McDormand. Her character Mildred demonstrated many strengths such as leadership, courage, confidence, passion, perseverance, resilience, strategic thinking and indestructible optimism. The tone of the film also had an amazing balance of humour and gritty drama as well as inspiring themes on redemption and personal transformation.

The three random acts of kindness were also surprising and moving when they occurred. It’s best that I don’t mention specifics so that you can enjoy these great moments. You’ll know it when you see them because you’ll feel that shot of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin! These are those inspiring moments of why cinema can be extremely uplifting and fill you with hope and positivity!

When you witness cinematic examples for acts of kindness as well as those that you experience in real-life they can inspire and lift your spirits up from whatever challenges you face. They can empower you to see a brighter future for yourself and for your loved ones and others close to you. Whether you are witnessing, giving or receiving, be part of a feel-good random act of kindness experience today!

Happy New Year to all my wonderful readers around the world!

Related Tips:
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film) 
Tip#1061: Be of Service to Others - Victoria & Abdul
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#1074: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 5 - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS
CHEERING UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1073: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 8 - Office Christmas Party

This holiday season I finally had the focus and drive to organize my dad’s vast archives of print photos that were stored in dust-covered boxes. Somehow I had to create order from all this chaos! My dad had a passion for photography and documenting happy memories that I enthusiastically inherited (see my photos on Instagram)! It’s been an emotional week at my mom’s Las Vegas home as I sifted through countless photos of my life growing up as well as finding precious images of my mom and dad growing up as kids in the Philippines.

Seeing so many smiles of myself, my brother, sister and my parents throughout 5 decades sent waves of love through my heart. A flood of memories of the warmth and support I got from each of them re-ignited how important the love of family really is. Of course there were many times that were difficult but we somehow persevered and helped each other get through it all.

And we may have had disagreements and fights growing up but amazingly only the happiest of memories prevailed after all these years. Thanks to my dad’s foresight these magnificent photos will live on! And as I write this on Christmas Eve I feel so happy and grateful that I still feel the love and support of my siblings, my mom and even my dad in heaven (read my shiny dimes stories)! I am also thinking about a wild Christmas comedy I recently saw that had a powerful theme of family and teamwork percolating beneath the raunchy antics.


Office Christmas Party (2016)

The comedy film, Office Christmas Party, is about Josh Parker (Jason Bateman) and his friend, co-worker and branch manager, Clay Vanstone (T.J. Miller) saving their company from being shut down by his sister and CEO, Carol Vanstone (Jennifer Aniston). This rude, crude, audacious and hilarious movie also features fun performances by Kate McKinnon, Vanessa Bayer, Olivia Munn, Rob Corddry, Randall Park, Courtney B. Vance and Karan Soni. See: movie trailer

This over-the-top R rated film really pushes the limits in showing the craziest office Christmas party ever! And yet somewhere along the way I got emotionally invested in the characters and their goal to save their company. Each co-worker began to demonstrate specific skills and talents that eventually contribute to the solution. A sense of family began to shine through and I was so conscious that I was receiving some inspirational messages that shined by the end of the film!

All of these characters had flaws but they really came together when it counted most. That was a wonderful message to receive especially at Christmas time. Family can mean your immediate family, extended family of your closest friends or your loving, supportive co-workers.

This holiday season be aware of the sense of family you have. Or be inspired by movies that have shining examples of family and teamwork. Let these films fill you with love and hope in all the ups and downs of your life!

Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays!

Related Tips:
Tip#660: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 1 – Fast & Furious 6 
Tip#712: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 2 - Love Actually 
Tip#773: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 3 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Tip#794: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 4 - The Good Lie
Tip#795: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 5 – This is Where I Leave You 
Tip#948: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 6 – The Jungle Book
Tip#995: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 7 - Captain Fantastic
Tip#1073: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 8 - Office Christmas Party 
Tip#1093: What Does Family Mean to You? Part 9 - Grandma 
Tip#477: Great Teamwork Movies Part 1 – X-Men: First Class – Kung Fu Panda 2
Tip#626: Perseverance & Teamwork, Part 1 – The Fugitive


DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS
CHEERING UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1072: The Benefits of Failure, Part 2 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi

I am currently on vacation with family living in Las Vegas and I am hyper aware of how healthy and well I feel! Compared to past Christmas visits, I am feeling no depression symptoms and attribute it to my improved diet, exercise and daily tools I learned from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I never know when symptoms hit so I am feeling very grateful under the hot, bright sunshine of Vegas!

In these "up" periods when I feel like my old, energized self I think about the silver lining of my mental illness journey. I think about how others can learn from failures in my life and work and how they taught me to develop indestructible optimism. I think about how the media like CBC Radio saw value from my personal experiences with depression and interviewed me to share movie messages of hope for the holidays back at Christmas time 2015. Listen to interview: CBC Radio’s Fresh Air Show

I also think about one of my heroes, J.K. Rowling, who gave one of the best speeches on the benefits of failure that I highly recommend everyone to hear for inspiration (listen here). And on the eve of the opening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi my mom insisted I see a video posted on Facebook on how visionary filmmaker George Lucas persevered to make the first Star Wars movie (see here). To my amazement and wonder the new film would deliver a message about the benefits of failure straight into my heart!



Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

The space opera film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, continues the story of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), his sister Leia (Carrie Fisher) and a new generation of heroes that include Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega). This epic chapter is filled with more stunning visuals, dazzling space battles, imaginative alien characters, exotic worlds and memorable moments of action and relationships. See: movie trailer

There was something deeply nostalgic and also uniquely different about this chapter that makes me want to see it again as soon as possible! If you are a long time Star Wars fan then I highly recommend you see it on the big screen and get transported back to happy childhood memories! As of this writing I am still processing the many ways this film affected me.

One important aspect was an unexpected moment when a life lesson about failure is presented in the movie. It almost brought me to tears as I felt, once again, the magic of cinema was speaking directly to me…

“Pass on what you have learned, strength, mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is.” 

Failure and rising above failure is a key theme in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It reaffirmed my mission in life and given me another cinematic tool for empowerment to share in my motivational talks. This is a must see film for inspiration and motivation that will also entertain the socks off you!

At different times in our lives we can make bad decisions, take rash actions and have poor judgments. Or maybe mental or physical challenges make us feel like failures. Just remember that how we rise above our adversities is the ultimate lesson we can take away. Tap into your indestructible optimism today and see the shining benefits of failure right now!

Related Tips:
Tip#475: The Benefits of Failure – J.K. Rowling – 4 Movie Tips
Tip#1072: The Benefits of Failure, Part 2 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Tip#235: Failure is Okay - Tucker - The Man and His Dream



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS
CHEERING UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1071: You Are Not Alone, Part 2 - The Shape of Water

I recently did one of the most exciting motivational presentations for The Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) here in Toronto. It was the first time I got to show my art from OCADU (art college), play samples of my music and show my photography of nutritious meals I’ve been learning to cook! The topic was called How to Re-Energize & Feel Good Fast.

See samples here: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

It meant a lot to me to openly demonstrate how these creative tools helped me manage decades worth of clinical depression. Sharing my experiences makes me feel less alone on my journey. And I could see in some of the eyes in the audience that they were feeling a connection with my story of personal challenges and solutions. I few people approached me afterwards and thanked me for my presentation.

"I found Emmanuel's presentation to be so sincere, true and honest on how he coped with depression. His creative solutions were so brilliant and natural at the same time. I just felt his story was so close to me and what I've been feeling as a newcomer to Canada and from a totally different culture, with no family and friends. I want to thank him for his work.” 
Giga Ishkhneli

Speaking at the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators. Photos by Michael Cooper

Experiencing depression, mental illness or any disability can make someone feel isolated and separated from others. My creative tools like art, music and the writing of this blog always helps me feel less alone. I know from personal experience that I just feel loved and supported when others respond positively to my creative forms of expression. I feel re-energized when someone lends a helping hand or a comforting word of encouragement. And if no one is around I always have the magic of cinema to keep me warm during dark times.


The Shape of Water (2017)

The fantasy drama film, The Shape of Water, is about a mute, isolated woman named Elisa (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with a mysterious, scaled water creature (Doug Jones) being studied at a secret laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. This gorgeously filmed tale, by visionary writer/director Guillermo del Toro, is overflowing with magical scenes, sensual moments and touching performances by the whole cast that also include Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon and Michael Stuhlbarg. See: movie trailer

This has got to be the most unusual yet beautiful love story I’ve ever seen on screen. It explores timely themes such as accepting someone’s disabilities, prejudice and different sexual preferences. The movie is also dedicated to movie lovers as well as a loving look at the films, songs, lifestyle and visual designs of the early 1960’s. And if you look carefully you will recognize parts of Toronto where it was filmed.

Actress Sally Hawkins’s silent performance as Eliza is mesmerizing to watch as she expresses a deep romantic and sexual love for the creature. Actor Doug Jones is also fascinating to watch as the creature. Despite their vast differences they are able to help each other feel loved and supported and less alone. They are both unable to speak and yet transcend their disabilities. Eliza will inspire you with her new found courage, passion, resilience and indestructible optimism. I highly recommend you see this amazing film on the big screen!

If you feel different or isolated from other people always remember that you are not alone. Keep believing there is someone somewhere that knows your pain and struggles. Believe there is someone somewhere that loves and supports you. And if there is no one around just remember the magic of cinema. A good movie can feel like a loving blanket to help you feel safe and warm!

Related Tips:
Tip#594: You Are Not Alone - Henry Poole Is Here 
Tip#1071: You Are Not Alone, Part 2 - The Shape of Water
Tip#1184: You Are Not Alone, Part 3 - 8 Self Care Tips - Sonic the Hedgehog

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS
CHEERING UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1070: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 4 - A Christmas Prince - A Princess for Christmas

I have a dream of finding a special woman to be my loving partner in life and in my work helping others. It’s one wish that is always re-energized whenever I see real-life examples like The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They are doing wonderful work with young people, charities and veterans with their Heads Together initiative. They believe unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges and are helping to promote more supportive dialogue. See: Heads Together campaign

The Duke’s brother, Prince Harry of Wales, is also involved with the Heads Together campaign and he’s also become a new inspiration with his recent royal engagement to American actress Meghan Markle. She has said that she would retire from acting and devote her time to humanitarian causes as a member of the British royal family. Reading this wonderful news really touched my heart and am looking forward to how their love story unfolds while helping others!

See interview: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on how they met

I found this engagement announcement highly synchronistic because just before the news I had felt a strong urge to watch two specific Hallmark and Netflix Christmas movies that involved a common class American woman falling in love with a European Prince. First of all these holiday TV movies is a “not so guilty” pleasure of mine because, despite the cheesy scripts, they really make me feel good and always lift my spirits.

Secondly they remind me that any dream can come true as long as we keep believing in our vision. The love stories and mental health work of The Duke and Prince Harry along with the power of movies remind me to keep believing in magic! 

A Christmas Prince (2017)

The romantic comedy, A Christmas Prince, is about an American reporter, Amber Moore (Rose McIver) undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a playboy, Prince Richard (Ben Lamb) of Aldovia. This entertaining and lavish Neflix production was similar to Hallmark holiday movies that have the same charm and lovable (and silly) characters you’ll grow to love each holiday season. Some of the mountain scenery and interior of the castle is so beautiful and breathtaking! See: movie trailer

A Princess for Christmas (2011)

The romantic comedy, A Princess for Christmas, is about Jules Daly (Katie McGrath) and her niece and nephew from Buffalo invited to spend the holidays with their estranged grandfather, Duke Edward of Castlebury (Roger Moore) and his son Prince Ashton (Sam Heughan). This fun, entertaining Hallmark film features many hilarious moments and lively characters. See: movie trailer

Another factor I found inspiring was this film was directed and written by actor and singer Michael Damian with his wife Janeen Damian. Knowing this further energized my vision of the kind of life/work adventure I am looking to share with a wonderful wife!

Real-life examples of loving couples, as well as heartwarming Christmas TV movies, can re-energize your spirit and fill you with hope for the kind of relationships, life and other dreams you desire. They can help inspire you to never give up and that dreams do come true! Just keep believing in magic!

Related Tips:
Tip#716: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 1
Tip#1012: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 2 
Tip#1017: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 3 
Tip#1070: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 4 - A Christmas Prince - A Princess for Christmas
Tip#908: Movie Messages of Hope for The Holidays, Part 1 - The Night Before
Tip#916: Movie Messages of Hope for The Holidays, Part 2 - Crown for Christmas

Related Tips on Believing: 
Tip#869: Believe in Magic, Part 1 - Edge of the Garden
Tip#876: Believe in Magic, Part 2 - She’s Funny That Way
Tip#911: Believe in Miracles, Part 1 - Miracle on 34th Street
Tip#945: Believe in Miracles, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Miracles from Heaven

MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

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

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017