Sunday, July 26, 2020

Tip#1206: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 12 – Amélie

This is Day 133 of the COVID-19 quarantine/social distancing here in Toronto, Canada.

This has been a challenging week with two loved ones in the hospital. I’ve also been feeling depression symptoms which, thankfully, I’ve been managing with more fruits and smoothies. During these low mood periods I slip into feeling a lack of purpose and direction. These are the times I have successfully trained myself to apply tried and true techniques for activating my resilience!

I remember to take long, daily walks to soak up fresh air, sunshine and vitamin D. I let myself be in the moment and breathe. Thrift shopping is also a tremendous joy for the fun of going down the aisles of men’s wear, shoes, house and kitchen departments! The sight alone of seeing colours and textures is rejuvenating. And then finding treasures and amazing deals always re-energize my spirit. Add to that the joy of donating my own used belongings for someone else to love again.

I’ve also been watching more movies than usual. And when it’s French food in a French location I really feel a flow of positive emotional energy that puts a smile in my heart! That’s what happened when I rediscovered a beloved feel-good film after so many years.

Amélie (2001)

The French romantic comedy film, Amélie, is a about a shy waitress, Amélie (Audrey Tautou), who decides to bring happiness to the lives of others around her struggling with her own isolation. This gorgeous, imaginative and whimsical depiction of contemporary Parisian life is brimming with colourful characters played by Jamel Debbouze, Mathieu Kassovitz, Maurice Benichou, Yolande Moreau and more.
Watch: movie trailer
Buy now: Amazon.com

Key points why I highly recommend this movie:
• A fun, romantic comedy
• Cinematic role model: Inspiring, resourceful woman who finds her courage and resilience
• Important lists of pleasurable activities
• Gorgeous, colourful locations in Paris, France
• Compassionate acts of kindness
• Inner child healing


This magical film is so dense with rich, creative imagery and ideas that it deserves many repeat viewings. I could almost taste and smell the beautiful imagery of every frame of Paris. I loved the little vintage toys in the tin box of childhood treasures and every vintage item in everyone’s apartments are wonderful to look at. And I loved every foodie scene! The character of Amélie is also so adorable and lovable that it is so heartfelt to see her acts of kindness and to witness her courageously overcome her own feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The film is also a fantastic example of something important I learned from my group therapy programs on cognitive behaviorial therapy (CBT). Identifying and making lists of pleasurable activities and passions become important tools and methods for transforming low moods. And this film is overflowing of examples and reminders that some of our happiest memories come from childhood. See more: pleasurable activities

And so even in the bright, sunshine of summer time we can still experience unexpected times of crisis, darkness, despair and depression. Thankfully, we already have quick and easy-to-use tools for re-energizing and re-vitalizing our moods and spirits. Do activities that bring you joy or indulge in a happy childhood memory or comfort food. And always remember the power of movie therapy which can lift your spirits sky high!



Related Tips:
Tip#1202: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 8 – Paris Can Wait
Tip#1203: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 9 – The Client 
Tip#1204: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 10 – The Old Guard
Tip#1205: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 11 – The Farmer’s Daughter


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

 http://bit.ly/cj7UIphttp://www.pinterest.com/motivatorman1/http://bit.ly/9Je5dhhttp://bit.ly/djk9Yjhttp://bit.ly/bUSAy0

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2020

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Tip#1205: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 11 – The Farmer’s Daughter

This is Day 126 of the COVID-19 quarantine/social distancing here in Toronto, Canada.

Thanks to all the delicious, nutritious food gifts I received for my birthday last week I have been enjoying great meals every single day! And it’s helped keep my spirits positive as I watched the news of the US struggling to deal with the growing cases and deaths due to the Corona virus. And the political state of this country has been so alarming, frustrating and saddening at the same time.

Here in Canada we have thankfully entered stage 3 of reopening from quarantine though I am still not comfortable going to open services like my barber. But I still go on my daily walks for the physical and mental health benefits, being mindful of nutritious, daily meals and enjoying catching up with old and new friends on social media. These are some simple activities I highly recommend for maintaining your positive mental health.

See more of my nutritious diet on: Emmanuel's Instagram

I also discovered a fantastic film that I immediately watched twice! It was so uplifting and brimming with funny scenes and empowering, inspirational themes. And it gave me a wonderful vision of what kind of wife I’d love to share my life with!

The Farmer’s Daughter (1947)

The romantic comedy film, The Farmer’s Daughter, is about a young Swedish-American farm girl, Katrin "Katie" Holstrom (Loretta Young) who ends up working as a maid for a Congressman, Glenn Morley (Joseph Cotten) and his politically powerful mother, Agatha Morley (Ethel Barrymore). This highly entertaining movie features great performances that also include Charles Bickford as loyal butler, Joseph Clance.
Watch: movie trailer
Buy now: Amazon

Watch it free on YouTube:
The Farmer's Daughter 1947 Loretta Young & Joseph Cotten

I was so surprised at how much I loved this hidden gem of a film! I didn't know anything before watching and hope you jump in to discover multiple reasons you will love too. The only thing I knew was that lead actress Loretta Young won an Oscar for Best Actress. And she definitely represents a very strong female role model that is timeless.

Key points of why I highly recommend this movie:
• A fun, romantic comedy
• Cinematic role model: Empowering, strong-willed and kind woman with traditional family values
• Political insights: Truth vs Lies, Racism, Working for the people
• Swedish mulled wine Glogg and Swedish massage scene
• Female version of Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

Inspiring themes:
• Courage & Confidence
• Passion & Perseverance
• Resilience • Indestructible Optimism
• Leadership • Teamwork
• Supportive Relationships
• Strategic Thinking
• Adapting to Crisis
• Maintaining Core Values & Ethics

I wish everyone could watch this movie for these reasons I outlined but also because it has powerful, positive messages so relevant to today’s US politics.

Unexpected movies can arrive in your life at the perfect time to help lift you up or give you a vision of the kind of person you want to be. They can re-ignite your core values and ethics and even your passion if you’ve been feeling low, lost or depressed. Find a film today to re-vitalize your inner strengths and resilience!

Watch it free on YouTube:
The Farmer's Daughter 1947 Loretta Young & Joseph Cotten 



Related Tips:
Tip#1202: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 8 – Paris Can Wait
Tip#1203: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 9 – The Client 
Tip#1204: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 10 – The Old Guard


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

 http://bit.ly/cj7UIphttp://www.pinterest.com/motivatorman1/http://bit.ly/9Je5dhhttp://bit.ly/djk9Yjhttp://bit.ly/bUSAy0

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2020

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Tip#1204: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 10 – The Old Guard

This is Day 119 of the COVID-19 quarantine/social distancing here in Toronto, Canada.

It was recently my birthday and it potentially could have been depressing since we’re all in quarantine. Some of us are not be able to celebrate in person with friends and family as usual. For me I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to feel the uplifting, re-vitalizing energy that comes from socializing and celebrating in person with loved ones and friends.

So in advance of my birthday I was able to arrange a few precious interactions on my birthday, in person and virtually. A good friend, who’s been there for me through thick and thin, was able to meet for a birthday lunch and share delicious foods while keeping socially distanced. Later my sister and brother dropped off delicious, homemade foods and desserts while socially distanced in front of my home. And then later I was able to video chat with immediate family and then do a Zoom meeting with four friends.


These heartfelt moments together were extremely helpful for my mental health, resilience and positivity. I also deeply appreciated each and every one of the 100’s of birthday wishes I received on Facebook and Instagram. People from different countries around the world left empowering messages reminded me of my special place on the planet and the positive impact I’ve had for others.

These reminders of social support and sense of purpose happened to be the same themes I resonated with from a Netflix movie that was released on my birthday. It’s as if it were a wonderful cinematic birthday gift from the universe!

The Old Guard (2020)

The superhero, action film, The Old Guard, is about a team of four immortal mercenaries with the ability to heal themselves that go on a revenge mission led by Andromache "Andy" (Charlize Theron) and joined by new member U.S. Marine Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne). This entertaining, fascinating story is filled with fantastic fight scenes and also stars Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Harry Melling.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

First, I love Charlize Theron in any action film she stars in! And her fight scenes as Andy are just amazing in this movie. And then there are the thoughtful, insightful dramatic moments where each of the immortals share the pros and cons of living for centuries while outliving those they have loved.

Andy and her colleagues demonstrate how powerful their team spirit and sense of family is throughout the story. The teamwork during their battles is riveting to watch and their sense of loyalty and love is very visible. And though Andy sometimes dwells on the negatives of being immortal and hidden from the public it was so inspiring to recognize how her actions have left a positive mark in history with people she had saved and rescued.

During dark periods in our lives we could sink into dwelling on the negatives. Thankfully there are always people, friends and family close to us or on social media that can remind us of our value, self-worth and maybe even our sense of purpose. Celebrate your place in the world today and let this joy shine a bright light into any darkness around you!

Related Tips:
Tip#1202: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 8 – Paris Can Wait
Tip#1203: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 9 – The Client 


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

 http://bit.ly/cj7UIphttp://www.pinterest.com/motivatorman1/http://bit.ly/9Je5dhhttp://bit.ly/djk9Yjhttp://bit.ly/bUSAy0

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2020

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, July 05, 2020

Tip#1203: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 9 – The Client

This is Day 112 of the COVID-19 quarantine/social distancing here in Toronto, Canada.

I’ve had some dark days during this quarantine and my living alone has sometimes taken its toll on my mental health and positivity. These were depression-like symptoms that magnified core issues I’d been working on over the years in group therapy (read more). And some of these thoughts and feelings stem from unresolved issues and programming since childhood.

Negative thoughts & feelings: 
• Not feeling safe
• Not feeling good enough
• Not feeling lovable

To reframe and counteract this I have been writing these daily affirmations: 
• I am safe
• I am good enough
• I am lovable

Daily walks always help to alleviate heavy moods and depression symptoms from being in isolated quarantine.

Affirmations are one of many steps to shifting a negative, unproductive mindset. Another method I love using is watching favourite films that can simply entertain me. These movies are like comfort food for my tired soul and they always transport me away from my current challenges and clear away my cluttered thoughts and feelings.

Some films I watched included:
• The Client (1994)
• Shaft (2000)
• Brainstorm (1983)
• Independence Day (1996)

Of all these films, the one I felt gave me extra inspiration and motivation was The Client. Read on for my insights!

The Client (1994)

The legal thriller film, The Client, is about eleven-year-old Mark Sway (Brad Renfro) and his younger brother witnessing the suicide of a lawyer, gets entangled with New Orleans mafia and then seeks the help of lawyer Reggie Love (Susan Sarandon). This gripping story features great performances by the entire cast that also include Tommy Lee Jones, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony LaPaglia, Anthony Edwards, Kim Coates and Ossie Davis. It is based on the 1993 novel by John Grisham.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video 

I always found this film to be highly entertaining with all its colourful characters and engaging story. I loved all the interactions between Reggie and Mark and with Tommy Lee Jones’ character, "Reverend" Roy Foltrigg. Every main character demonstrated an inner fire and strength to persevere with their goals. The film is also brimming with examples of teamwork, strategic thinking and problem solving.

Most of all I always admired Mark’s strength and resilience. He was rebellious and combative but also highly courageous, resilient, resourceful, assertive and goal oriented. He was only eleven-years old and yet was a born leader and fearless in facing any adult that tried to stop him. For now, Mark is my cinematic role model to empower my inner child still struggling with negative thoughts and feelings. He is an strong example to inspire the younger part of me that needs to feel empowered and fearless!

The isolation of quarantine can make people feel depressed and maybe even a little hopeless. It can also unearth and magnify deep, unresolved issues within us. If you are feeling this then remember to engage the power of affirmations. And if you think of a favourite film then choose to watch it today. It could immediate transform your dark day into a shining, brighter one!



Related Tips:
Tip#1202: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 8 – Paris Can Wait


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

 http://bit.ly/cj7UIphttp://www.pinterest.com/motivatorman1/http://bit.ly/9Je5dhhttp://bit.ly/djk9Yjhttp://bit.ly/bUSAy0

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2020

Posted by at No comments:
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