Tip#1082: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 5 - The Florida Project

Inner child: 
a person's supposed original or true self, especially when regarded as damaged or concealed by negative childhood experiences

It continues to be an unusually long, dark winter dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). And as I write this icy rain is falling on a grey morning and yet I am so happy to have my two new Himalayan salt lamps on with their warming orange glow warming my home and heart. See photo on my Instagram channel.

I’ve also been following the recommendation of a friend and colleague to explore inner child meditations for about a month now. I immediately followed my intuition and discovered an amazing meditation on Youtube by Kenneth Soares called Inner Child Healing Meditation. His words and voice touched me deeply and have been listening to this 21 minute recording before I sleep and upon waking (Listen here). This is a process I had researched and wrote about in tip#1068.

Since then three uplifting movies synchronistically came into my life that not only helped me cope with SAD symptoms but also provided insights on healing and empowering my inner child. This is the first of these three films.



The Florida Project (2017)

The comedy drama film, The Florida Project, takes place over one summer and follows a precocious six-year-old, Moonee (Brooklynn Prince), her friends, mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) and Bobby (Willem Dafoe), manager of The Magic Castle Motel they live at. This lively film is filled with childhood wonder, hilarious mischief, highly emotional moments and many truly extraordinary performances by all the actors. See: movie trailer

This film surprised and moved me on so many levels. I am actually shocked that it didn’t get nominated for Best Picture for the 2018 Oscars (Willem Defoe was nominated for Best Supporting Actor). It is also difficult to explain the power of this movie so I highly recommend you check out the movie trailer which hooked me in the first 30 seconds!

What I can say is that the characters and adventures they go on felt so real that it triggered my own happy memories as a child. It reminded me that every day can be an adventure. It reminded of my love for The Little Rascals TV show I loved growing up. And it encouraged me to continue following my indestructible optimism in the face of life challenges and times of depression, winter blues and SAD symptoms.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Power of Community
• Childlike Imagination & Play

I later watched interviews with the cast and all their positive energy and enthusiasm from the film was truly who they are in real life, especially Brooklynn Prince! It was also inspiring to know that this was Bria Vinaite’s first time acting and was discovered by co-writer/director Sean Baker from her Instagram channel. I am surprised these two actresses weren’t nominated for Oscars! In the end I am so happy and grateful I discovered this very special film and glad I could share it with you.

Sometimes in order to move forward in life it’s necessary to pause and check in with your inner child that may be stuck in the past. Movies can help re-energize and re-vitalize the best of your childhood. You can then re-ignite and bring inner strength to the present to break through whatever is blocking your path. At the very least these empowering films can lift your dark days with the childhood magic and sunlight shining from its characters!

Related Tips:
Tip#906: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 1 - Top 10 Movies 
Tip#909: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 2 - The Little Prince 
Tip#917: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 3 - Joy 
Tip#928: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 4 - Hector and the Search for Happiness
Tip#1082: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 5 - The Florida Project
Tip#1083: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 6 – I, Tonya 
Tip#1084: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 7 - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 

Tip#494: Keep Childlike Wonder Alive - Steve Jobs – Real Steel
Tip#422: Keep Your Playful Imagination Alive – Imagine That



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR WINTER BLUES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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 2018

Tip#1081: Movies to Inspire Hope & Ignite Change, Part 2 - Black Panther

When I went to the first afternoon screening on opening day of the Black Panther film the line up for tickets was absolutely packed with kids and adults! These lineups usually never happen when I see opening day films at this time. This was when I began to realize Black Panther was going to be a cultural phenomenon.

After the screening I was riveted to social media posts on twitter about the film and what I saw unfold moved me deeply. Here are the posts and articles that were flooding twitter…

Last night we saw the #BlackPanther movie as a family & loved it. The best part for me, seeing my 9yr old son sit in awe as he saw people of color hold themselves in such high regard on screen. He knows Wakanda isn't real but now wants to know more about Africa. @MarvelStudios 
See: original tweet

Just saw #blackpanther in the middle of Montana in a theatre full of white people and I was a little worried until they all gave it a standing ovation at the end IT WAS SO WONDERFUL I CRIED
See: original tweet

Check out this video of people dancing in theatre lobby:
this is how we left the theater #BlackPanther

Check out this photo showing Black Panther being screened in every theatre at one cinema:
Every. Single. Theater. Is. #BlackPanther

Check out these celebrities doing massive acts of kindness:
• Octavia Spencer to Host Free ‘Black Panther’ Screening in Underserved Community
• 'Captain Marvel' Star Brie Larson Is Helping People Get 'Black Panther' Tickets
• How celebrities are helping thousands of children see ‘Black Panther’ for free

I was so thrilled seeing these stars actively using social media to get their followers to help pay for tickets for other people not able to afford their own tickets to see Black Panther. Actress Brie Larson was getting followers to help financially from places like Rio de Janeiro, Paraguay, Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, USA, Canada and more!

And all this was happening during Random Acts of Kindness Week. This is the loving world and community I am happy to live in. And all thanks to a visionary superhero film!



Black Panther (2018)

The superhero film, Black Panther, is about the life and politics of new King, T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) of the Afrofuturistic world of Wakanda and what happens when he is challenged by unexpected rival, Erik "Killmonger" Stevens (Michael B. Jordan). This visually stunning movie is filled with exciting action scenes, super cool technology and empowering characters and performances by Boseman, Jordan and supporting cast that includes Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis.

See: movie teaser
See: movie trailer

This film was so amazing and thrilling on so many levels! Every character of this predominantly African-American cast had an important part to the story and many represented a positive cinematic role model for anyone of any age, colour or culture. Co-written and directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) this movie felt different than other Marvel films because it not only entertained but I knew it was going to help change the world. These cinematic role models would help empower all kids and adults who get a chance to see this movie.

I found a video on CNN that I loved watching because it featured kids expressing their excitement of seeing Black Panther. Hundreds of them from the Harlem Boys and Girls Club got to see the film for free thanks to Community Activist Frederick Joseph. It warmed my heart knowing these kids were now inspired to be heroes and be the best they could be in life! Check it out…

CNN: Ryan Coogler's 'Black Panther' joins 'Wonder Woman' in blazing super trail

Inspiring Themes:
• Following a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Courage
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Values & Integrity
• Culture, Community & Traditions
• Racial Equality

There is a speech in the first of two post credit scenes that moved me the most. With the current state of politics happening in the US this speech filled me with uplifting hope that the positive, inclusive world I want to live in will happen and IS happening! And writing this blog post is my way of helping create this change.

If you are feeling hopeless or stuck in your life then find a film that will inspire hope and ignite positive change. Be empowered by cinematic role models that are overflowing with confidence, courage and indestructible optimism! They are there to show you that a better WORLD is possible and a better YOU can happen!

Related Tips:
Tip#427: Be The Change You Want to See In The World - Groundhog Day 
Tip#695: Be the Change You Want to See In The World, Part 2 – Miss Representation
Tip#121: You Can Change Your Future - Minority Report 
Tip#868: Movies to Inspire Hope & Ignite Change - Still Alice 
Tip#1081: Movies to Inspire Hope & Ignite Change, Part 2 - Black Panther



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR WINTER BLUES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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 2018

Tip#1080: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 5 - Phantom Thread

I am always so happy and grateful to receive or discover gifts that lift me up along the ups and downs of my life. This chilly winter continues to be an extra difficult time (winter blues, seasonal affective disorder) and yet the unexpected gift of supportive new friends being there for me this week had been a blessing.

Another gift was being invited to the amazing 5th High Notes Gala for Mental Health by Ingrid Taheri, Artistic & Executive Director. The night was filled with inspiring musical perfomances and inspiring speakers that included Luba Goy, Michael Landsberg, Jennifer Walls, Lloyd Robertson, Orlando Da Silva, Michael Bridge and more. Even thought I wasn’t well when I arrived I left feeling so re-vitalized and joyful!

With Ingrid Taheri, Artistic & Executive Director, 

5th Annual High Notes Gala for Mental Health

Later in the week a close friend surprised me with a random act of kindness by giving me a gift of a DYLN Alkaline Water Bottle. I was so moved! As I’ve been documenting on this blog I’ve been learning how to cook, eat and drink more alkaline forming foods over more acidity ones. This gift will be added to my methods of improving my physical and mental health. See more: Tip#1056

And as I continue to self-medicate with inspiring movies I discovered one that I immediately loved for so many reasons. From it’s opening scenes it wrapped itself around me like a warm blanket on a cold February day. It thoroughly reminded me about the magical, uplifting power of cinema.


Phantom Thread (2017)

The drama film, Phantom Thread, is about the relationships between renowned dressmaker, Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day Lewis), his sister and Cyril (Lesley Manville) and his muse and lover, Alma (Vicky Krieps) in 1950's London. This sumptuous, elegant and engaging film has fantastic performances by the whole cast. See: movie trailer

I immediately fell in love with this film much like Reynolds and Alma’s first romantic meeting, one of the most mesmerizing I’ve ever seen in a movie. The splendor of the costumes and music soundtrack immediately took me away and what unfolded was an unusual love story and psychological study of three strong willed people. This film is filled with light and dark moments.

I’ve already seen it twice and am still thinking about it because the film also explores what it’s like to be a successful artist and a business owner that deals with episodes of depression. It also explores business aspects of leadership, teamwork, customer service and product development for dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutants and dames. This is also secretly a wonderful foodie movie!

Check out these articles after you have seen the film:
If There Was an Oscar for Best Food Scene, 'Phantom Thread' Would Win
“Phantom Thread” Is the Best Food Movie in Ages

Inspiring Themes:
• Following a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Courage
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Expressing Thoughts & Feelings
• Artists
• Business
• Fashion Design

Cinema will always have the eternal, uplifting power of warming you up through dark times and inspire you with engaging sights and sounds on the big or small screen. Movies can also provide unexpected gifts of feel-good feelings, thought-provoking moments and visions of finding your own inner strengths. Find these gifts today and bring some cinematic sunshine into your life!

Related Tips:
Tip#1016: Remember the Magic of Cinema, Part 7 - La La Land
Tip#1000: The Uplifting Power of Cinema – Celebrating 1,000 Movie Tips & In the Film song 
Tip#1038: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 2 - The Zookeeper’s Wife 
Tip#1040: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 3 - Their Finest 
Tip#1044: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 4 – Galaxy Quest 
Tip#1080: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 5 - Phantom Thread 
Tip#1113: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 6 – 4 Movies from the 90’s
Tip#1115: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 7 – A Simple Favor 


DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR WINTER BLUES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• READ: Emmanuel & Depression featured in The Toronto Star
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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 2018

Tip#1079: Unleash Your Inner Strength & Voice, Part 2 - The Post

Have you ever been faced with a situation where you knew you had to speak up but couldn’t? It’s happened to me many times over the years either in public or in the workplace or during family moments. It usually results in anxiety and ruminating about that paralyzing moment for days or even years later. Not a good feeling!

That’s why I feel grateful for, and recommend, workshops that empower your voice to help release trapped thoughts, emotions and whatever you want to say out loud. Special workshops like The Mastery of Self-Expression and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programs have helped free myself of hidden blocks preventing me to speak up and also to cut down the ruminating of negative thinking.

“There’s a lot of NO’s in the world and people may crumble under these NO’s. Finding your own YES is the hardest thing to do but the best thing to do.” 
Tammy Cunningham, Workshop Facilitator
The Mastery of Self-Expression 

So whenever I see a character on the movie screen struggle to speak up I FEEL for them. And then later when I see them overcome their inner fears to speak with courage and confidence I CHEER for them! Here is a movie example that demonstrates this transformation and how it became a metaphor for a greater voice of the press fighting to be heard.



The Post (2017)

The political thriller film, The Post, is based on the true story of Katherine Graham (Meryl Streep) the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, The Washington Post, working together with editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets in the early 70’s. This compelling story also stars Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Bradley Whitford and Bruce Greenwood. See: movie trailer

The cover-up, published as The Pentagon Papers, spanned four U.S. Presidents and the film shows the enormous risk Graham and Bradlee faced for possible imprisonment in standing firm for their freedom of the press. And yet the story also shows Graham’s own challenges of speaking up in an early boardroom scene that showed her voice paralyzed.

It is her slow transformation to a leader with new courage and confidence that highlights this film’s many inspirational themes. I felt for her in that boardroom scene and then cheered for her when she later delivers the final command to her newspaper team and board directors! Her newfound empowerment would lead to winning the unprecedented battle between the press and the government.

Inspiring Themes:
• Finding Your Voice
• Courage
• Confidence
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Empowering Women
• Freedom of the Press
• Maintaining Ethics & Values
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships

Movie heroes who find and unleash their voice can be a highly inspirational and motivational moment for anyone wanting to do the same. If you find yourself unable to say what you want to say be inspired by cinematic role models to mirror your own inner strengths and potential. Believe that you deserve to be heard and one day it will happen with shining success!

Related Tips:
Tip#1078: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 5 - Darkest Hour
Tip#1076: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 6 - Molly’s Game
Tip#1025: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 10 - Lion
Tip#538: Unleash Your Inner Strength & Voice – The Mastery of Self Expression – 4 Movie Tips 

READ: Emmanuel featured in The Toronto Star:
Battling the Dark Demon of Depression



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR WINTER BLUES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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 2018