Tip#1122: Feel the Energy of Celebrations, Part 2 - The Christmas Chronicles

This week was full of wonderful celebrations! It started with a friend’s 50th birthday party where fashion designer Karen Beach faced her fears and made a dream come true by singing in front of an audience. The energy in the room was electric when she sang her bluesy tunes!

It was also a heartwarming reunion of friends I first met in the early 90’s when I was actively part of Toronto’s social scene of special events and parties. I felt so much love in that air that night!

The next celebration was two in one with my foodie pal and award-winning Culinary Mixologist, Jeremy Parsons launching his new cookbook, INVITE: COCKTAILS CANOPES COMPANY. The event was brimming with super delicious food and drink samples from his book as well as reconnecting and meeting new bloggers from the Toronto social media community. On top of that it was also Jeremy’s actual birthday! Once again the air at this event was electric with the excitement of celebrations.

As I’ve documented before on this blog, the positive energy of face-to-face social interactions is an amazing tonic for my symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). For some, like introverts, social scenes may be difficult. And yet I believe the re-energizing relief comes from focusing on the celebration aspect. This is the same energy I feel when Christmas spirit fills the air during the holidays. Thankfully I just discovered another Christmas movie that embodies a wonderful, uplifting feeling I can recommend!

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

The comedy family film, The Christmas Chronicles, is about sister and brother, Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) who accidently ruin Christmas for Santa Clause (Kurt Russell) but then join forces in an unforgettable adventure. This wonderful Netflix film captures the feeling of a classic Christmas movie with many funny and memorable scenes and standout performances from Russell and Camp. See: movie trailer

I was immediately moved by the opening music and scenes because they touch on the power of documenting family memories. Then throughout the film I could feel Christmas spirit warming me up many magical moments that touched my happy inner child. I also I enjoyed seeing the familiar streets filmed in my hometown of Toronto doubling as Chicago. And I got emotional many times because this was also a story of a family dealing with the loss of their dad at Christmas. I lost my dad close to Christmas as well and this film made me feel his loving spirit was with me.

The theme of believing is also celebrated and not just believing in the idea of Santa Claus but also believing in yourself. I really loved this film because it also had other life lessons like courage, family, perseverance, resilience, grieving and indestructible optimism! These were great lessons the whole family could enjoy every year when they see this movie together.

Inspiring Themes:
• Believing
• Courage
• Family
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Grieving
• Documenting Memories
• Christmas Spirit

Any celebration can be looked at as a battery of electricity to tap into for re-energizing and lifting yourself up from difficult times, depression or just feeling lost in life. Celebrations like birthdays, Christmas holidays or making a dream come true are times to share that explosion of positive emotional energy and joy with others. Make sure you embrace and share the feel-good energy of something to celebrate today and every day!

Related Tips:
Tip#335: Feel the Energy of Celebrations – 2010 Winter Olympics – 12 Movie Tips
Tip#1122: Feel the Energy of Celebrations, Part 2 - The Christmas Chronicles

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
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1121: Top 10 Inspiring Marvel Movies – Dedicated to Stan Lee 1922 - 2018

I absolutely loved superhero comic books growing up! As a teen my favourite was the X-Men especially when Wolverine joined the new team in 1975. And then years later these characters came to life on the big screen in the live action X-Men films in 2000 that truly excited my inner child. Soon the Marvel Cinematic Universe was born that created a film franchise that not only became a global success but provided so many movies I write and speak about in my motivational presentations as inspirational learning tools.

This is all thanks to Marvel Comics creator, the legendary Stan Lee. He created so many world famous superheroes such as: The Hulk, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Thor, Black Panther, The X-Men and many more. His imagination helped inspire my creativity as a youth and forged my success as an illustrator and entrepreneur (see my work). Years later the movie versions of his superheroes would come to my rescue, motivating me to find my inner strengths and indestructible optimism to face countless adversities like career burnout, loss of my dad, bankruptcy, losing my home and clinical depression.

So I was saddened to hear of Stan’s passing on November 12, 2018. I wished I could have met him to thank him for what his comic book heroes meant to my life. Stan created heroes with human flaws dealing with their own daily struggles in life and that’s why characters like Peter Parker (Spider-Man) or Tony Stark (Iron Man) were so relatable. They weren’t perfect but they were still heroes and triumphed in their battles.

In honor of his legacy I put together a list of my top 10 favourite Marvel movies and why they have been and always will be inspirational learning tools to enjoy for years to come.

Top 10 Inspiring Marvel Comics Movies

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
• Pure, riveting entertainment and epic storytelling
• Excellent examples of Leadership and Teamwork
• Expertly directed and successful coordinating of so many superheroes
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Black Panther (2018)
• Shows the power of community, family and friendship
• Excellent examples of Leadership and Teamwork
• Became a cultural phenomenon for black communities around the world
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Captain America: Civil War (2016)
• Thought provoking themes of standing up for one’s beliefs
• Excellent examples of Leadership and Teamwork
• Exciting introduction of Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)
• Fantastic storytelling in the form of 1970’s conspiracy films
• Power of friendship and old-fashioned values
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Daredevil, Netflix Season 1 (2015)
• Gritty, raw, epic long form storytelling (one long movie!)
• Amazing one long continuous shot of hallway battle in episode #2
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Doctor Strange (2016)
• Introduces spiritual teachings and healing benefits
• Explores quantum realities and other forms of existence
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
• Excellent examples of Leadership and Teamwork
• Wonderful use of nostalgic songs from 70’s and 80’s
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Iron Man (2008)
• Excellent examples of Leadership and Teamwork
• Provides business and entrepreneurial lessons
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Spider-Man 2 (2004)
I once wrote a blog post in 2015 that Spider-Man 2 was the greatest self-help superhero movie and I still believe it! This was the first superhero film that felt like it mirrored my own struggles in life and showed me life lessons about re-igniting self-confidence and self-worth.
Watch now: Amazon Prime

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
This epic chapter in the X-Men film series had so many memorable moments like seeing the original cast together with their new younger versions. There’s also Quicksilver’s exciting slow motion sequence. It also features an example of a favourite meditation technique I use that involves connecting with your future self. Learn more: Future Self Work (a process for success) by Teal Swan
Watch now: Amazon Prime

I am so happy and grateful that I’ve lived to see the day that superhero movies have become a cinematic genre. They provide joyful entertainment for young and old and people of all races and cultures. They can demonstrate inspiring life lessons that can unleash our own inner superhero. They give us cinematic role models for finding our courage, confidence, perseverance, resilience, leadership, teamwork and indestructible optimism! Find a superhero movie to activate your inner strengths today!

SEE: Every Stan Lee Cameo Ever (1989-2018) 
READ MORE: For each movie listed above listed A to Z

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.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1120: The Power of a Song, Part 3 – A Star Is Born

Back in the early 90’s when my illustration business was flourishing my mom got herself a Yamaha PSR keyboard with pre-set rhythms and instrument samples and I was hooked! I remember having so much fun playing, experimenting and composing that I immediately invested in a 4 track multi track analog recorder (Fostex 280) and started writing and performing songs. It was such a joy! It was so blissful.

Today recording is mostly digital and can now be done on an iPhone or laptop but back then analog recording was another massive way to express myself and my feelings. I borrowed my mom’s Yamaha keyboard and I quickly discovered a natural skill for writing songs and lyrics. Some music professionals were in awe of my work which was very encouraging.

This period of my life gave birth to dozens of songs that included the ballad “In the Film” that I created a Hollywood movie montage for. In hindsight I realized it was a powerful, cathartic song that expressed the depression and even seasonal affective disorder symptoms I was experiencing at the time. See: In the Film music video 

As my passion for writing songs grew I upgraded my music equipment over the 90’s and released my debut album called Rain of Angels in 1999. I had two instrumentals off of this CD that received regular rotation on Galaxie CBC Radio. It was absolutely thrilling! Over the years I ended up with enough songs for 5 albums. Today, I still have a yearning for people to hear all my songs and when I see movies like Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, I am inspired to persevere this dream.

A Star Is Born (2018)

The musical romantic drama film, A Star Is Born is about an alcoholic, famous musician, Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), who discovers and falls in love with young, gifted singer Ally Campana (Lady Gaga). This powerful and emotional movie was produced and directed by Bradley Cooper and features riveting performances and outstanding songs by Cooper and Gaga. It also stars Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle and a surprising performance by an unrecognizable Andrew Dice Clay.
See: movie trailer 
Watch now: Amazon Prime

This was such a moving love story with Gaga appearing with little make-up and showing her natural beauty. She also shared an amazing, magnetic connection with Cooper’s character. And the real bonus is the many heartfelt songs they both sang either together or by themselves. They demonstrate how empowering it is to believe in one’s self and each other.

The film also shows the personal sacrifices an artist makes for fame and fortune. And yet Jackson lovingly supports and encourages Ally to unleash and nurture her songwriting and singing talents. This movie celebrates the idea of following one’s passion and dreams as well as the beauty of loving someone for all their goodness and painful flaws.

Inspiring Themes:
• Believing in Yourself
• Following a Passion
• Courage
• Confidence
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Supportive Relationships
• Forgiveness
• Unconditional Love

Songs can be healing for both the songwriters and for the listeners. The music and lyrics can express the joys and pains of life and ultimately leave listeners comforted that they are not alone. Movies about songs can also inspire people to follow their dreams as a creative outlet for their thoughts and feelings. Be inspired today by the power of songs and movies to express who you truly are to the world!

Related Tips:
Tip#866: The Power of a Song - Ted 2
Tip#1119: The Power of a Song, Part 2 – Bohemian Rhapsody
Tip#1120: The Power of a Song, Part 3 – A Star Is Born

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.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1119: The Power of a Song, Part 2 – Bohemian Rhapsody

I’ve loved Queen’s music since high school especially how epic their Bohemian Rhapsody song was. We even studied the lyrics in Creative Writing class! I remember my first Queen album, The Game, and playing it over and over. I loved every song especially Another One Bites The Dust. I also loved their music for the soundtrack of Highlander (1986) with the stand out ballad, Who Wants To Live Forever.

I was sadden about Freddie Mercury’s passing from the Aids virus in 1991 and it wasn’t until I had my own life challenges in the 2000’s and 2010’s with depression that many of Queen’s empowering lyrics would inspire me to stay strong. Mercury continued to write and perform right until his death. His incomplete tracks were finally finished by the rest of the band and released on 1995’s Made in Heaven and it is absolutely amazing and ethereal. Mercury’s voice still sounded majestic as ever despite his illness and weakened state!

Mercury’s resilience and perseverance as an artist continues to inspire me when I face adversities. And now the biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody has become another entertaining film I can use as an inspirational learning tool.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

The biographical film, Bohemian Rhapsody, is a celebration of the music by the rock band Queen and the life of lead singer Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek). This highly entertaining film is packed full of Queen’s famous songs as well as the successes and adversities they faced over the years. The cast included great look-alike actors Gwilym Lee as Brian May, Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon, Lucy Boynton as Mercury's wife Mary Austin and a great cameo by Mike Myers.
See: movie trailer 
Watch now: Amazon Prime

Like most biographical films, this movie is not historically accurate and yet the story of Mercury’s inner strength as an artist is inspiring to watch. His struggles with his sexuality are also explored as well as the theme of family both with his own and his band mates. This film really celebrates the love of the fans as well as the love Queen had for their audiences.

There are many highlights with their iconic songs being created and my favourite was for their groundbreaking song Bohemian Rhapsody. The movie shows a scene with negative reviews filling the screen when the song was released. In hindsight this is laughable because of how popular the song is today but it is a testament to the genius, passion and perseverance of Mercury and the rest of the band who fought and believed in this epic masterpiece.

Inspiring Themes:
• Believing
• Courage
• Confidence
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Artistic Vision
• Personal Identity
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Family

I was moved at so many scenes because of Mercury’s will to move forward no matter what and also seeing his gift for uniting his concert audiences. This is especially shown in recreating the massive Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in 1985 with 72,000 people in attendance. This film is a must see for all Queen fans and is definitely for anyone who is a musician with a dream. Mercury inspires us all to dream as big and as audacious as possible!

The power of a song can last for decades long after the artist or band has passed away. They can lift us up with its melody and empower us with lyrics that speak directly to our souls. Be inspired by your favourite songs and learn more about the artist behind those songs. Their stories could help you ride out the challenges you face in your own life or career.



Related Tips:
Tip#866: The Power of a Song - Ted 2
Tip#1119: The Power of a Song, Part 2 – Bohemian Rhapsody

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.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018