Movies That Motivate | The Adventures of Motivatorman!: January 2021

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Tip#1233: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 39 – Tomorrowland

This is Day 320 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

I will always marvel over the uplifting power of cinema whenever I need it most. During one recent day of the winter blues (seasonal depression, S.A.D.) I sunk deep into that familiar state of feeling disconnected, unfocused, hopeless and my body heavy like lead being injected into my blood. Thankfully a tiny, positive voice inside me whispered that it was time to watch Disney’s Tomorrowland again.

This film has a special meaning for me because it saved me from suicidal depression on its opening day in 2015. It transported me with brimming bright images of an exciting, futuristic world and with a young character that embodied the definition of indestructible optimism. And the message at the ending always leaves me re-energized and re-vitalized with hope and purpose!

I have the first top two of these pins!

I loved this film so much that I purchased two replicas of the Tomorrowland pins that are part of the plot. In the story, the Passport Pin was for accessing the future world in 1964 and the Preview Pin was for 1984 to access a breathtaking virtual reality tour of Tomorrowland. All you had to do was touch the pin. And I’ve learned that all I had to do to be reminded of my own indestructible optimism was to watch this film!

Tomorrowland (2015)

The science fiction adventure film, Tomorrowland, is about a disillusioned, middle aged genius inventor Frank (George Clooney) and a teenage science lover, Casey (Britt Robertson) embarking on a journey to an alternate dimension known as "Tomorrowland" with the help of Athena (Raffey Cassidy). This imaginative, entertaining story is filled with stunning visuals and also stars Hugh Laurie, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn and Keegan-Michael Key.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This is a highly underrated movie that was considered a huge box office bomb and yet it had the power to speak to me deeply about its message of optimism. It was clearly saying that no matter how bad or hopeless life may appear you can choose to believe in the brighter future you want. Casey embodies this positive spirit and attitude and helps Frank find the hope, wonder and joy he lost due to a childhood trauma.

The film’s messages are also a big reminder that building an optimistic mindset can be fueled through Creative Visualization, Priming, NLP’s Future Pacing concepts and the RAS (reticular activating system). I highly recommend reading more about these terms and tools in previous blog posts: Tip#831 and Tip#759

Depression can strike any of us at any time while, for others, can expect it to reoccur every year due to the winter depression (SAD) or the anniversary of a traumatic day or memory. We just need to have reminders of our inner strengths of resilience and indestructible optimism to persevere. Movies are one powerful tool you can use to re-inject hope, positivity and joy into your spirit. Find a favourite film today to re-energize yourself and feel like a warm, sunny summer day!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

Part 11 – The Farmer’s Daughter
Part 12 – Amélie
Part 13 – Hail the Conquering Hero – The Lady Eve
Part 14 – Back To School
Part 15 – Project Power – An American Pickle
Part 16 – The Secret: Dare to Dream
Part 17 – Chadwick Boseman – 42 – Black Panther
Part 18 – Phenomenon
Part 19 – Mulan 2020
Part 20 – Waitress - Labor Day - Michael

Part 21 – Enola Holmes
Part 22 – Kiss the Groun d
Part 23 – Top 5 Inspiring Thanksgiving Movie Scenes
Part 24 – Hubie Halloween

Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit
Part 27 – Trading Places
Part 28 – Greenland
Part 29 – Logan’s Run

Part 30 – Moonstruck
Part 31 – Remember the Night
Part 32 – Tenet
Part 33 – Noel
Part 34 – Soul
Part 35 – Feel Good Energy of Movies & TV Shows
Part 36 – Last Holiday 1950 & 2006
Part 37 – Synchronic
Part 38 – Appetite for Love

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 2021

Sunday, January 24, 2021

Tip#1232: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 38 – Appetite for Love

This is Day 313 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

This week was filled with amazing nutritional epiphanies and delicious food gifts! A fellow Illustrator I knew years ago saw my Facebook post on my raw sauerkraut meals and offered me a sample jar of his homemade red beet, cabbage and daikon sauerkraut. He was kind enough to drop it off (with us wearing masks and social distancing of course) and the rich red/burgundy colour was absolutely stunning and gorgeous!

Fermented Foods/Probiotics

My brother also gave me a food gift of his homemade cultured butter which was so creamy and smooth! Both this and the raw sauerkraut are fermented foods filled with probiotics which are healthy bacteria beneficial for gut health. Our gut is home to around 80% of our immune system and this bacteria can signal to the brain to make happy chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. I believe adding fermented foods to my daily diet for several months is why my seasonal/winter depression symptoms are much lower this winter.

Vitamin D & COVID-19

Another person on Facebook shared a video link after seeing my post about Vitamin D and seasonal depression. The video highlighted this vitamin’s effectiveness against COVID-19. I learned that Vitamin D is a steroid hormone which means it can go into cell membranes and nucleus and make effective changes to our immune system. And because it is winter with a lack of sunshine, I've learned to get Vitamin D mostly through foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon and raw cheeses while taking daily supplements of 4,000 IU.

See video: Vitamin D & COVID-19

Food & Mood Presentation

I’m also thrilled to announce that a presentation I gave online about my Food & Mood journey is now available as a 20 minute audio recording and transcript. Big thanks to mental health organization, The Stability Network for having me speak. I talked about how NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS and COMFORT FOODS have helped empower my mental health and resilience. And I shared my inspiration that came from the amazing 1930's works of Dr. Weston A. Price. I also give simple food tips based on how I’ve successfully managed my clinical and seasonal depression during this pandemic.

Check it out: Emmanuel’s Food & Mood Presentation

Wonders of Water

One of the key health tips I shared was drinking enough water per day. Part of my self-care discoveries over recent years was that some of my seasonal depression symptoms were due to dehydration during the winter. So it’s important for me to immediately drink one to two cups of water when my brain goes foggy, my body feels paralyzed and my mood drops.

The theme of water came up again when I recently watched a Hallmark film that re-ignited an epiphany I had during my 2019 Vermont vacation. This is where I was truly amazed at the quality of the farm-to-table meals I had at the local restaurants. I was told that a big part of the reason was the local spring waters that grow the vegetables, feed the animals and the chefs used for cooking the delicious farm fresh foods!

Appetite for Love (2016)

The romantic comedy, Appetite for Love, is a Hallmark TV movie about corporate executive Mina (Taylor Cole) sent to a small town in Tennessee to re-brand a diner owned by her ex-boyfriend, Clay (Andrew W. Walker). With lots of foodie shots and warmhearted performances by the cast this film is set within beautiful scenery shot in British Columbia, Canada.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

There is a moment in this film that highlights the strengths of the diner’s food which was the quality of the local water rich with essential minerals. Mina discovers this through Clay and his head Chef Lucien about all the wonderful benefits that stem from their water. This spoke so deeply to me because I’d experienced the profound foods on my trip to Vermont and has inspired me to explore this more.

I felt this was a surprising subplot that was also educating viewers to the benefit of mineral rich water and the quality of the foods we eat. So this was much more than a romantic Hallmark TV movie, it will also feed your mind! I highly recommend you see this film available on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services.

Movies and foods can help inspire you to stay healthy and strong during difficult times. And mindful eating of nutrient-filled foods can increase your resilience and optimism. Remember to also drink several cups of water per day for re-vitalizing your body, mind and spirit. Make your days a delicious journey of exciting, new self-care practices!

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

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

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Tip#1231: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 37 – Synchronic

This is Day 306 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

This continues to be a very surreal, unreal time. This past week we saw another province wide lockdown here in Toronto where we’ve been asked to stay at home except for going out for essentials or exercise. Fallout and unrest also continued in the news from the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol building on January 6th. On top of all this the winter blues aka seasonal depression have returned in intensity to take my mind off line and disconnect me from my normal sense of reality.

Monday, January 18th is also Blue Monday, a day referred to as the most depressing day of the year and I am honoured to be part of a FREE CONCERT OF HOPE at 8pm EST. This concert is presented by High Notes Avante Productions and features Dan Hill, Amici Chamber Ensemble, Luba Goy, Lloyd Robertson & Friends. I’ll be doing a short talk via video about my monthly Zoom group, HIGH NOTES MOVIE CLUB.

HOW TO WATCH:
www.flatomarkhamtheatre.ca
www.rhcentre.ca/apartof
https://www.facebook.com/highnotesavante
https://www.facebook.com/RHCPA/

See my video message: High Notes Movie Club, 1 min.
Join my free monthly Zoom: High Notes Movie Club

These surreal times are reflected in a surreal film I recently discovered. It captures the spirit of these unreal times and took me to a weird and wonderful alternate reality for a few hours!

Synchronic (2019)

The science fiction horror film, Synchronic, is about two New Orleans paramedics, Steve (Anthony Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dornon) whose lives and understanding of reality are ripped apart after a series of horrific deaths linked to a designer drug with otherworldly effects. This mind-bending story has some fantastic visuals and many surprising scenes.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime

I watched this amazing film without knowing anything about it and I highly recommend you do the same. Do not watch the trailer! The only points I will share is that there are life lessons about living life to the fullest and for treasuring the time we have on this planet. It’s films like this that can help shake up your own perceptions about life and your current reality and in a good way.

When you feel life has become so surreal and unreal it could be a positive step towards shaking up a life that has become routine, boring and, perhaps, meaningless. Embrace this uneasy feeling and be open to seeing your life from a new dimension or even multiple dimensions!

Join my free monthly Zoom: High Notes Movie Club

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

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Tip#1230: The Recipe For Resilience, Perseverance & Indestructible Optimism, Part 36 – Last Holiday 1950 & 2006

This is Day 299 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.

Two exciting opportunities came to me during this pandemic which were the invitations from two mental health organizations to speak on what I love: Food and Movies! These passions not only helped me cope with clinical and seasonal depression over the years, they empowered my mental health and resilience during the last 10 months in isolation and lockdowns.

High Notes Avante Productions

The first opportunity was from High Notes Avante Productions, a Canadian mental health organization that reached out and hired me to host a monthly Zoom group called High Notes Movie Club. This was an online service where people in isolation could have lively discussions and share favourite uplifting films and discover new ones to help them through depression and difficult times.

See my intro video: High Notes Movie Club, 1 min.
Join free monthly Zoom: High Notes Movie Club

The Stability Network

The second opportunity was from The Stability Network, a group of international professionals dealing with personal mental health challenges that support one another and speak at organizations about their experiences and coping solutions. I was honored to have been asked to do a Zoom presentation about my journey with food and mood. I was thrilled to share tips from my research on Dr. Weston Price and the benefits of eating nutrient dense foods as well as comfort foods.

Listen to 20 minute audio: Emmanuel’s Food & Mood Tips
Download transcript: Emmanuel’s Food & Mood Tips PDF

These wonderful opportunities actually relate to an entertaining 2006 film I just watched again about following your passions called Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah. It is also about the joy of cooking and food which has been my passion during this pandemic and lock down! And to my surprise I recently discovered it was actually a remake of a 1950’s film of the same name starring Sir Alec Guinness aka Obi Wan Kenobi!

Last Holiday (1950)

The dark comedy drama film, Last Holiday, is about an ordinary middle-class salesman George Bird (Alec Guinness) diagnosed with a fatal illness, spending his few remaining days in luxury at a posh seaside resort. Also starring Beatrice Campbell, Brian Worth, Kay Walsh, Wilfrid Hyde-White and more.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

It was fascinating to see the similarities between this darker version and the 2006 romantic comedy especially in the scenes where George uses his savings to buy a fancy new wardrobe and then project himself as a wealthy businessman at the resort. And it was fun to see George’s luck change like winning at gambling, offering invaluable advice other affluent hotel guests that enthusiastically offer him exciting job opportunities. I didn’t like the ending but I still recommend you see this version.

Last Holiday (2006)

The romantic comedy-drama film, Last Holiday, is about a humble department store assistant named Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) who is told she has a rare brain condition with a few weeks to live and decides to spend her remaining funds on a luxury holiday in Europe before she dies. Also starring LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton, Giancarlo Esposito, Alicia Witt, Michael Nouri and Gérard Depardieu as Chef Didier.
Watch: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

This feel-good version is filled with hilarious and memorable scenes of Georgia’s transformation into a fearless, highly confident woman, speaking her mind unfiltered, ordering every special off the posh dinner menu and base-jumping off a very high bridge. She also indulges in her passion for cooking with the aid of renowned French Chef Didier. Her Book of Possibilities was also an important, inspirational part of this film. Georgia is a fantastic cinematic role model for taking charge of one’s life, living it to the fullest and transforming hearts and lives. Highly recommend!

There are times in our lives, like a long pandemic, that can appear to be a hopeless, dark period. And yet it can also be a profound time of introspection and self-discovery of the things you truly love and love to do. Harness the silver linings of these dark times to identify and embrace your passions. In return, your life and work could be re-energized, rejuvenated and re-vitalized in new and exciting ways!

Please join my monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club

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