Tip#1118: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 9 - Alpha

Dealing with depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be very isolating and lonely. That’s what it’s been like for me this autumn and all I know is I am going to persevere and stay resilient. Thankfully it helps that I’m house sitting at a beautiful home with lots of windows where the sky and sunlight can shine brightly as I deal with symptoms of withdrawal and hopelessness.

It also helps that I was able to meet in person a new contact I made through LinkedIn. Shelly Elsliger is a Globally Recognized LinkedIn Trainer, Career Specialist and Certified Wellness & Confidence Coach here in Toronto. I was inspired when she said she uses LinkedIn as an empowerment tool for her network. She also inspired me to rewrite my profile description in the first person. Check it out now on my LinkedIn page.

Shelly is one of several new individuals I connected with on LinkedIn that are showing me how they use LinkedIn to form online families, tribes and clans. This started with Jay Andrews, Founder & CEO at RippleEffect, who recommended me to be interviewed by Louise H. Reid, CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer) and Radio Host of The Louise H. Reid Show. And then I had a video chat with one of her guests Brian Schulman, Founder & CEO of Voice Your Vibe. I’ve been very open with them about my mental health challenges and they’ve all been very supportive and understanding.

The importance of being part of a clan or tribe, even if mostly online right now, can be very helpful to fuel my indestructible optimism during these dark months of autumn and winter SAD symptoms. Movies also help immensely especially when they celebrate the positive factors of having a tribe, even if it’s just a tribe of two, as I discovered in the latest film I saw.

Alpha (2018)

The adventure film, Alpha, takes place in prehistoric ice age times where a young hunter Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee), thought to be dead after a hunt, is left behind by his tribe and learns to survive with the help of an injured wolf. This visually stunning movie features many epic sequences, action scenes and heartfelt moments. It also stars Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Keda’s father and Natassia Malthe as his mother Rho.
Watch trailer or see now: Amazon Prime

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resourcefulness
• Compassion
• Supportive Relationships
• Family, Tribal Communities & Clans

There are many life lessons in this amazing film about courage, perseverance, resilience, compassion, resourcefulness, supportive relationships and indestructible optimism. Keda forms a mutually loving friendship with the injured wolf he names Alpha and together they learn to hunt for food together, fend off wild animals and brave the harsh winter weather. What resonated with me the most was how Keda realizes the power of having a supportive tribe even if it’s just a tribe of two.

Dealing with depression or very difficult times can be an isolating journey but it doesn’t have to be. Even if you have just one other person, or animal, to help you persevere then your dark tunnel will have a little more light to shine your way through. Do your best to make sure you have a loving tribe or clan standing with you and soon you’ll feel your indestructible optimism shining brightly and fueling your journey!



Related Tips:
Tip#300: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 1 – Top 25 Movies 
Tip#824: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 2 – Bell Let’s Talk Day - Wild Card  
Tip#856: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 3 - Mental Health - John Nash - Welcome to Me 
Tip#859: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 4 – Paper Planes
Tip#886: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 5 - Walk the Line
Tip#899: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 6 – Depression - A Little Chaos
Tip#907: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 7 – Depression - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2  
Tip#918: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 8 - The Intern   
Tip#1118: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 9 - Alpha 

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• 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 Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1117: Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining, Part 6 - The Spy Who Dumped Me

I’ve been sick in bed for almost a week now and felt so incapacitated. It was similar but different than the lack of motivation symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that I feel this time in autumn. I had no drive to post anything on my social media or do any work. I realized that this cold was another opportunity to rest, do some physical clearing (blowing nose, coughing up phlegm) and be off technology. These all could be the silver lining to make sure my life is on track or a chance to reset it.

The beautiful synchronicity of the timing of this cold happened at the start of another house sitting gig where I got to rest and heal in a brightly lit home in a neighborhood of Toronto I love and with a lush garden overflowing with mint plants and cherry tomatoes! I’ve been drinking a lot lemon and mint infused water I believe was helping detox my body. Other delicious soups and foods were also helping me ride out the cold and make me feel re-vitalized. I had a lot of time doing nothing and to clear my congested head which my body needed.

After five days of not watching any films I finally felt ready for some movie medicine. The one I chose once again surprised me with insights I received as well as being entertained! And it was about silver linings.

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

The action comedy film, The Spy Who Dumped Me, is about cashier Audrey (Mila Kunis) and her best friend Morgan (Kate McKinnon), who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy thanks to Audrey’s ex-boyfriend and CIA agent Drew (Justin Theroux). This entertaining film is a great mix of high action spy movie scenes and a hilarious buddy-film. The cast also includes Sam Heughan, Hasan Minhaj and Gillian Anderson.
See: movie trailer
Buy now: Amazon Prime

I was surprised at the number of great James Bond style action sequences intermixed with the funny dialogue throughout the film. The chemistry between Kunis and McKinnon was fun to watch and I later read that they’ve been friends since they were 7 and 10 years old. The director and co-writer, Susanna Fogel, wanted the movie to show a strong female friendship and she found the perfect actresses!

This film is also a fantastic European road trip taking us from Los Angeles to Vienna, Prague, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Moscow. Audrey had never traveled to Europe before so the silver lining of her problems ended up making one of her wishes a reality. This unexpected trip also helped Audrey and Morgan discover or rediscover their hidden skill sets and talents. I was inspired by these life lessons while being entertained at the same time. Hopefully you will too when you watch this film as an inspirational learning tool!

Sometimes life feels like it forces us down a path we don’t want to go. It might make us slow down and reassess our choices in life or maybe push us onto a scarier yet more rewarding one. Either way movies are a great tool for lifting up our moods and give us a vision of what is possible. Find a film today to inspire you to find the silver lining of whatever cloud you feel trapped under!



Related Tips:
Tip#67: Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining, Part 1 - 4 Movie Tips
Tip#400: Recognize All Your Silver Linings – Under The Tuscan Sun

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• 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 Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1116: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models, Part 3 - Casino Royale

One key factor that somehow always re-energizes me is being around good people. Even though I am an introvert and can get re-energized being by myself I can also feel uplifted and feel a surge of enthusiasm and confidence when I’m with friends and surrounded by like-minded people.

This happened recently at the fantastic screening and pre-show of the James Bond film Casino Royale live in concert at The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. During the pre-show fellow movie lover, Richard Crouse, Toronto Film Critic and TV Host interviewed Evan Mitchell, Symphony Conductor in a lively discussion about coordinating the orchestra with the images of the film.

Richard went on to say how powerful it was to see a movie in this live concert setting because of the enthusiasm expressed together by the audience. It is a unique cinematic experience and social gathering!

I’ve been to several shows at The Sony Centre and I knew exactly what Richard meant because the audiences are very open to cheering and applauding at triumphant scenes or exhilarating musical moments. So I loved joining in with the applause after the first big orchestral chase scene or seeing Bond win a big hand at poker. And I had to laugh at hearing the clapping and cheers when Bond came out of the ocean in his tight swim trunks! Everyone was just having a great time while listening to outstanding live music.

Casino Royale (2006)

The action thriller film, Casino Royale, is about British Secret Service agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) and his first mission facing off with Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a man who finances terrorist organizations. This highly entertaining reboot and updating of the James Bond film series features all the iconic music, characters, cars, action sequences, exotic settings and Bond girls famous of the franchise!

See movie trailer or watch now: Amazon Prime

This may be my favourite Bond film because Daniel Craig’s portrayal exuded a relentless tenacity I loved. His inner strengths of perseverance, resilience and indestructible optimism inspires me to find that in myself. And these character strengths are not just in the fight scenes but in his challenge of wits during the high-stakes poker game with Le Chiffre. Bond also demonstrates his keen analytical training in reading people with a playful and engaging first meeting with his strong-willed and beautiful partner Vesper Lynd (Eva Green).

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage & Confidence
• Perseverance & Tenacity
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Strategic Thinking
• Resourcefulness

Finding cinematic role models can help re-energize your inner strengths and potential. They can help you feel that seemingly impossible problems in your life, career or workplace can be overcome. Being around good friends and people can also help re-energize you when you feel stuck or hopeless. And if you can combine good people with a good movie then you may end up feeling like the courageous movie hero as well!



Related Tips:
Tip#147: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models - 3 Movie Tips
Tip#698: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models, Part 2 - 12 Years a Slave
Tip#1116: Discover Your Cinematic Role Models, Part 3 - Casino Royale

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• 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 Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1115: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 7 - A Simple Favor

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada and I have a lot to be thankful for. I am grateful for the sunny days that always re-energize me on my daily walks. I am grateful for the awesome thrift store jacket I found that makes me feel like a million bucks. I am grateful for fantastic dental services that are helping me smile more. And I am grateful for all my friends, relatives, social media contacts that continue to be so encouraging and supportive of my movie blog and journey overcoming seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression.

I am also so thankful to the divine forces in my life like God and my Dad’s spirit who continues to show up in the form of shiny dimes that I find. And how can I forget all the amazing movies that always show up like pure magic to lift me up during dark times or inspire me with answers to problems I face.

There are comedies I’ve discovered that help me with the healing power of laughter. And there are mystery thrillers that help get my blood pumping, engage my brain and keep me riveted to the screen. There are also films that inspire me with the use of social media to express one’s passion and reach a global audience. And then there are rare movies that combine all of the above in one amazing cinematic experience!

A Simple Favor (2018)

The mystery thriller comedy film, A Simple Favor, follows a vlogger of crafts and recipes, Stephanie Smothers, (Anna Kendrick) unraveling the disappearance of her mysterious and rich best friend Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). This highly entertaining movie features engaging performances by the cast, an amazing European soundtrack and a stylish noir atmosphere with some hilarious moments. See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

I must say I was enthralled by Lively’s enigmatic performance as well as Kendrick’s resilient performance. They both demonstrated strong-willed, perseverant characters but with very different personalities. I was also surprised at how funny the film was though the director Paul Feig is already well known for the humor of the movie Bridesmaids and The Office TV series.

Stephanie’s vlogging was also inspiring as she demonstrated why YouTube has helped introduce a generation of individuals with video shows doing what they love, being themselves on camera, having huge global audiences and making good money. It got me thinking about how to further use social media to reach even more people seeking my creative coping solutions, like movies, to deal with SAD and depression.

The power of cinema can be so uplifting and it can also be an amazing educational tool. Be inspired today to experience films in ways you never thought of before to benefit your health, life or career. There are a massive number of movies waiting for you to discover. Find one today with the intention of feeling great afterwards. You’ll be so thankful you did!

Related Tips:
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 

See 100's of inspirational movie tips now: Movies for Motivation

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR DIFFICULT TIMES?
• 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 Movies As Inspirational & Learning Tools!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018