Tip#1143: How Superhero Movies Inspire, Part 3 - Avengers: Endgame

I’ve had many successes as well as many traumatic times in my life. I’ve had to learn how to cope with the hurt, anxiety and depression that came from losing loved ones and losing the life and work I once thrived in as an illustrator (see tip#400). Thankfully I was able to receive revitalizing support from friends, family and work colleagues over the years. I am also so grateful for each and every movie hero that inspired me to persevere and keep moving forward!

Losing my dad unexpectedly in 2000 left me in shock and it took me a long time to get over his death. Some years later a friend committed suicide followed by three friends passing away from cancer within 18 months of each other. I’ve had to deal with deep-rooted guilt and regret with some of these loved ones and thankfully I received help like the group therapy program I’ve been sharing in previous blog posts (see tip#1136). I learned that I couldn’t solve the pain I’d been dealing with by myself.

Me and my dad at my Rain of Angels music CD launch party, one year before he would unexpectedly pass away.

Seeing Avengers: Endgame mirrored so much of the experiences I’ve faced of losing loved ones. The movie was a revelation for a Marvel superhero film in exploring the emotional depths of loss that unfolded at the end of the previous film Avengers: Infinity War. At the same time the film is overflowing with inspiration and excitement for solutions and new perspectives for breaking free of the past and moving forward with renewed hope.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The superhero action film, Avengers: Endgame, is about the aftermath of the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018) that left half of the population dead on Earth and the universe. With the help of allies, the remaining original Avengers assemble once more in order to undo the actions committed by the villain Thanos (Josh Brolin). This highly thrilling and engaging movie features a huge ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, and Josh Brolin.
See: movie trailer 
Watch now: Amazon Prime

This epic and deeply emotional film was a love letter to all the fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe! It had me captivated so much that its three hour running time went by so quickly and the world outside the theatre totally disappeared. Each of the six core Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye) got a chance to shine and show how they dealt with their personal losses. And they each rise up from their pain and show great personal leadership and resilience.

The movie not only puts satisfying closure on a 10 year film series, that began with Iron Man (2008), it is loaded with life lessons for dealing with loss and excellent examples of leadership, teamwork and strategic thinking and planning.

Inspiring Themes:
• Courage
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Family
• Letting Go
• Starting Over
• Dealing with Trauma
• Depression
• Grieving
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Problem Solving
• Personal Sacrifices

To keep this spoiler free I’ve just written about the many key points of why I highly recommend you seeing this film as soon as possible. There is much to discover in the inspirational learning moments while enjoying this epic cinematic experience.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can face. Thankfully there are movies that can help us cope with the pain and even provide hope in the darkest of times. Find a film today that will help you feel you are not alone and remind you that others are already there around you to help you persevere.

Related Tips:
Tip#359: How Superhero Movies Inspire - Top 10 Superhero Movies 
Tip#1091: How Superhero Movies Inspire, Part 2 - Avengers Infinity War 
Tip#590: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 1 – The Time Traveler’s Wife
Tip#436: 12 Healing Movies For Grieving The Loss of a Loved One

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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 2019

Tip#1142: Keep Your Mind Wide Open, Part 3 - The Shack

I am still buzzing from the beautiful, sunny Saturday last week with my friend Tammy the Pet Nanny and the pet therapy I received from her resident St. Berdoodle dog named Austen (see tip#1141). It was a day filled with healing gifts that I believe lead to a sudden flow of surprising throughout the week! That Saturday actually began with me finding another dime from my dad sent from heaven! See more on these divine dimes see tip#313, #966, #1046)

That day also included a treatment of lying on a PEMF mat (electromagnetic frequency) which actively gives you earth frequencies in a much more pure and concentrated dosage. This relates to the healing Earthing/Grounding research I’ve been doing (see tip#1137). Laying on this mat for 8 minutes is like walking barefoot in Nature for an hour. Read more: PEMF mat

I also received a highly insightful Tarot card reading that was so accurate on the roadblocks in my life and career. I got chills up my spine as I received eye-opening answers I’d been praying for. Issues of childhood bullying came up but also solutions and simple tips on how to free myself from past traumas were provided. I read that the original purpose of Tarot cards was to play games and I definitely enjoyed learning about the symbolism of the beautifully designed cards and I felt inspired!

Some people may not believe in Tarot cards, Earthing barefoot in nature or PEMF mat healings or even dimes from heaven but I keep a childhood sense of wonder and imagination open to anything that makes me feel good and lifts me from painful feelings. And on that wonderful Saturday, Tammy also intuitively felt I needed to see the movie The Shack. That became another special gift!

The Shack (2017)

The Christian drama, The Shack, is about family man Mack Phillips (Sam Worthington) who, after suffering a family tragedy, receives a mysterious, personal invitation to meet with God at a place called "The Shack." This film is a powerful, emotional parable for healing trauma and also stars Octavia Spencer, Graham Greene, Radha Mitchell, Alice Braga, Sumire Matsubara, Aviv Alush, and Tim McGraw.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

I found the tragedy in this film painful to watch and yet necessary to go on the profound healing journey with Mack. Once he learns to open up to his spiritual transformation of spending time in the beautiful, rejuvenating forest and waters around The Shack, the spiritual beings teach him how to slowly unravel and let go of the pain of losing his daughter.

These spiritual moments in the story touched me deeply and I was glad they were more universal in their spiritual messages than be overly Christian. Part of why I felt deeply is it also takes place in the beautiful outdoors of nature. The lush greenery, flowers and waters felt so healing to look at. And seeing Mack persevere throughout the film was highly inspiring and worth the tears of happiness I felt for him during his journey.

If you are dealing with unresolved traumas please do your best to stay open to solutions and gifts that could come from anywhere. Keep a childhood sense of wonder alive so your pain doesn’t shut off your ability to welcome the unexpected answers you’ve been seeking. Movies can help inspire you to keep an open mind when you feel hopeless and isolated. They can give you movie heroes who can teach you the life lessons to open your mind and heart again.



Related Tips:
Tip#132: Keep Your Mind Wide Open - Bridge To Terabithia - The Last Mimzy
Tip#503: Keep Your Mind Wide Open, Part 2 - Thrive 
Tip#311: Be Open to Magical Messages, Part 1 - Serendipity movie
Tip#837: Be Open to Magical Messages, Part 2 – Song of the Sea
Tip#436: 12 Healing Movies For Grieving The Loss of a Loved One

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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 2019

Tip#1141: Re-Energizing with Animals & The Outdoors - Mia and the White Lion

Something silly happened when I became an adult, I didn’t want to get my feet dirty! I didn’t like to get my feet muddy! But after learning about the healing benefits of earthing/grounding (see tip#1137) I was eager to walk barefoot more and re-ignite the childhood joys of feeling the grass and mud on my feet!

I recently enjoyed feeling the moist grass and mud on my feet when I went to visit my friend Tammy (Tammy the Pet Nanny) who was pet sitting and introduced me to Austen a beautiful Saint Berdoodle (cross between a St. Bernard and a poodle). He was so big that he immediately reminded me of a white bear or a lion! And when we went into their backyard to practice earthing in my bare feet I instantly felt like a kid again! I didn’t care that playing with Austen was getting my feet muddy!

Being with the lovable Austen reminded me of the wonderful, uplifting benefits of pet therapy (see tip#1108). And the Saturday sunshine was warm and shining bright so I could feel myself soaking up the vitamin D energy. And being barefoot and feeling like a kid again was so re-energizing that I felt it was perfect to include in this blog review of one of the best family films I’ve seen in a long time!

Mia and the White Lion (2018)

The family adventure drama film, Mia and the White Lion, is about the three-year story of 11 year old Mia Owen (Daniah De Villiers) growing up with a white lion cub named Charlie after unhappily moving to South Africa from London. This highly entertaining film is a powerful story about the love of family and of animals and also stars Mélanie Laurent, Langley Kirkwood and Ryan Mac Lennan. See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime

What intrigued me to see this film was that we get to see the two young actors (Daniah and Ryan) grow older along with Charlie from a cub into an adult lion over a 3 year period. They got to bond and interact with the lion during that time so there are no CGI effects in the movie. Charlie as a cub was absolutely adorable and fascinating to watch in every scene he was in. I also fell in love with the  country lifestyle of this family living in the bright sunshine of South Africa.

There are also many life lessons in this film that include seeing Mia demonstrate courage, confidence, passion, perseverance and indestructible optimism. There is also inspiring examples of love and of helping each other deal with pain within her family that included the mother, father, brother, sister and even their housekeeper. And then there is the powerful message of protecting wild animals like Charlie who grows into a magnificent adult lion.

The film inspired me to continue exploring the healing benefits of being outdoors in nature and feel my bare feet on the ground. It inspired me to remember the re-energizing benefits of being with animals and the unconditional love they can provide. And mostly the movie reminded me to have fun letting my inner playful child out and not be afraid of getting a little dirty!

Movies have the power to help you visualize the beautiful places, people and animals or pets that can re-energize your spirit and health. They can also inspire you to find your own inner strengths like courage, passion, perseverance, resilience and indestructible optimism. And, if you dare, they can help re-ignite your happy inner child to come out and play again!

Related Tips:
Tip#1103: Re-Energize in Nature, Part 3 - Open Range
Tip#1100: Be Inspired by Someone’s Journey, Part 2 - Dances with Wolves

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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 2019

Tip#1140: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 4 – Unicorn Store

I just had a very special week where my artistic career was celebrated in a radio interview and a new friend purchasing one of my art prints! And this all led to the release of a movie directed by Brie Larson I saw at TIFF 2017 that had moved my creative soul!

My Interview on Song Talk Radio!

On Tuesday I had the honor of being the live guest on Song Talk Radio where I shared social media marketing tips for songwriters as well as having two of my songs played. It also had the world premiere of my most personal song “In the Film” and I was deeply moved to have the hosts Phil Emery and guest host Michael Proudfoot (CBC Producer) compliment and discuss the song and lyrics. Any songwriter or recording artist would understand how great I felt to be warmly acknowledged, supported and validated for having expressed myself in this creative way.
See the music video: "In the Film" song

Listen to Emmanuel on: Song Talk Radio

It was also the 20 year anniversary of the release of my debut music CD, Rain of Angels and it was an emotional moment hearing the title track playing in the studio after so long. I discussed how it was a dream come true to write and record my songs and how I had slipped into a depression after the launch because a new music career didn’t happen. But the hosts helped me see my music wasn’t a failure after I mentioned that two of the instrumental tracks had garnered regular airplay on Galaxie CBC radio and that I’d been receiving SOCAN royalty cheques.
See music video: "Rain of Angels" song

My Art & Illustrations!

Then on the Thursday I met with new friend Elizabeth Wilson who was one of the hosts and facilitators of the Radical Self-Love Workshop I attended last year (see tip#1123). She became an instant fan of my artwork and was eager to purchase one of my art prints she saw on my art and music website, EmmanuelLopez.com. The piece she chose was inspired by The Celestine Prophecy and the beautiful, vibrant world it described. I am so grateful to Elizabeth because she reminded me so much of my gifts and my inner, shining light even though I sometimes don’t feel it.

The very next day Netflix released the film Unicorn Store that I’d been waiting for since seeing it at TIFF 2017! It was my favourite movie of that festival and seeing it again lifted my creative soul. And now the world could finally experience the inspirational themes and fun of this film that touched my heart!

Unicorn Store (2017)

The comedy film, Unicorn Store, is about a whimsical painter named Kit (Brie Larson) who gets a chance to fulfill her lifelong dream of adopting a unicorn while learning how to grow up and embrace her artistic soul. This fun, entertaining story is filled with quirky dialogue and characters played by Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack, Bradley Whitford, Karan Soni, Mamoudou Athie, Mary Holland, and Hamish Linklater.
See: movie trailer

Every artist of any age needs to see this film! It is brimming with life lessons about finding yourself and feeding your artistic spirit. It’s about finding the courage to express yourself that is different and standing firm on what you believe in even though others may not approve. Kit is self-aware that she is different and yet perseveres in her quest to get a unicorn.

I instantly fell in love with this movie at TIFF 2017 and I knew it would inspire so many people once it got released. And even though it took two years and has received scathing reviews social media has been overflowing with praise by instant fans! Countless fans on Twitter have been sharing heartfelt thanks to director and star Brie Larson for making a film that mirrored their own lives and struggles. Some of them also shared artwork inspired by her character!

I loved many of the hilarious, memorable scenes in this film especially Kit’s presentation pitch of her vacuum cleaner ad concept! Plus I loved everything she was wearing. There were also many nuanced moments with almost every supporting character especially Kit’s boss Gary and with Virgil who helps her build a unicorn stable. In the end this wonderful film will always be a reminder that my artistic life may be filled with ups and downs and yet I’ve been blessed with many creative talents that friends, family and fans have appreciated over the years!

Movies can feature heroes who struggle to find themselves and also be inspirational when they use their creativity to persevere and be resilient. They can be powerful cinematic role models that can ignite your own imagination and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. Find a film today that will bring you comfort and re-energize your drive to show the world all your strengths, gifts and talents!

Related Tips:
Tip#950: How Movies Inspire Creativity – Prince - Purple Rain 
Tip#1035: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 2, Sing Street 
Tip#1060: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 3 - TIFF17 – Unicorn Store 
Tip#1140: How Movies Inspire Creativity, Part 4 – Unicorn Store

SEE EMMANUEL's:

• Top Movies as Inspirational Learning Tools: www.Movies for Motivation.com

• Award-winning Illustrations: www.EmmanuelLopez.com

• Social Media Consulting Services: www.SocialMediaWingman.com

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 2019