Tip#885: Passion & Perseverance, Part 10 - Outbreak

Today is September 11th and it was 14 years ago that the World Trade Center was attacked. I remember vividly watching the events unfold and being in a state of shock. I was worried for my friends in New York City and couldn't reach them. Later that day I found out that they were safe and that one of them was able to escape from their work building across from the World Trade Center. As the years went by I would read inspiring heroic stories of how people persevered and stayed resilient during the horrors they faced.

I am always inspired by anyone facing unexpected crisis, health challenges and impossible situations. They give me hope when I feel stuck in my own challenges. And, as always, I can always count on movie heroes to motivate me to rise above situations that seem overwhelming or unsolvable.

Outbreak (1995)

The disaster drama film, Outbreak, is about the outbreak of a fictional Ebola-like virus called Motaba in a small town in the United States and how Colonel Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) is determined to contain and end its spread. This gripping film also stars Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Donald Sutherland.
See: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video

Seeing this movie recently made me see Hoffman’s character in a new light. Even though he could be combative with his superiors he is full of passion in his beliefs that he can solve the virus problem. His inner strengths, relentless tenacity were inspiring to witness as was his will to never give up even when it looked like time had run out.

This is one of those films I enjoyed watching as entertainment when it first came in theatres and whenever it was on TV. And after experiencing different sets of hardships over the years I now resonate with the heroes of these films who demonstrated passion, perseverance, resilience and indestructible optimism!

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resilience
• Leadership & Teamwork

I highly recommend revisiting older films you enjoyed over the years. The movie heroes in these movies may resonate with you in new, empowering ways! Be inspired today by a cinematic role model for amazing inner strength!


Related Tips:
Tip#534: Passion & Perseverance, Part 1 – 100th Year Anniversary - Titanic 
Tip#543: Passion & Perseverance, Part 2 – The Natural, Director's Cut 
Tip#652: Passion & Perseverance, Part 3 - The Company You Keep 
Tip#691: Passion & Perseverance, Part 4 - Rocky
Tip#731: Passion & Perseverance, Part 5 – The Right Kind of Wrong
Tip#752: Passion & Perseverance, Part 6 - Dolphin Tale
Tip#760: Passion & Perseverance, Part 7 - Today’s Special
Tip#774: Passion & Perseverance, Part 8 - Roger Ebert - Life Itself
Tip#864: Passion & Perseverance, Part 9 - Danny Collins
Tip#885: Passion & Perseverance, Part 10 - Outbreak
Tip#953: Passion & Perseverance, Part 11 - Eddie the Eagle 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#884: Smile, Part 2 – HBO’s Clear History

I woke this morning feeling really good. I felt alert, happy and enthusiastic! My first thought was the probiotic supplements and healthier diet I started about two weeks ago (see tip#880) was producing positive results. I love that I’ve become much more conscious of the foods I am putting into my body!

Another feel good factor could be because of a book I was recently recommended to read called Zero Limits by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len. It’s about a modern method of an ancient Hawaiian practice called Ho-oponopono designed to clear sub-conscious blocks. I will write more about this in the near future if I see more results based on this practice I’ve started. All I know is that I am currently smiling and free of depression symptoms!

Clear History (2013)

The comedy HBO film, Clear History, is about former marketing executive Nathan (Larry David) who creates a new identity (Rolly) to escape the pain of losing a billion dollars from shares he gave up on a new electronic car invention. He then seeks revenge on his former partner Will Haney (Jon Hamm) that he feels was responsible. This hilarious story features gorgeous locations in Martha’s Vineyard and a fantastic cast that includes Danny McBride, Michael Keaton, Eva Mendes, Bill Hader, Kate Hudson and Liev Schreiber. See: movie trailer

I loved the humour of classic Woody Allen movies and TV shows Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm so I kept smiling and laughing throughout the entire movie! Like those shows the film is brilliantly written where plotlines are ingeniously interwoven where every detail, topic or joke is important to the story. I felt so good that I had to watch the movie again the next night! Highly recommended.

Smiling and laughing can really shake off the blues you may be feeling. Find movies that will make you feel good and grin! Rewatch favourite TV shows that are guaranteed to make you laugh. You have many resources already around you!

Related Tips:
Tip#596: Smile, Part 1 - Jeff Lynne of ELO - Modern Times (1936) 
Tip#884: Smile, Part 2 – HBO’s Clear History
Tip#828: Motivatorman’s Top 10 Feel Good Movies 
Tip#46: What Makes You Laugh? - Part 1 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#883: See Life As An Adventure, Part 7 - The Last Legion

It’s quiet here in Toronto during Labour Day weekend. There wasn’t a lot of people downtown as I went on a sunny adventure through Chinatown and Koreatown researching probiotic rich foods for my new Brain Maker diet (see tip#880). And while I currently have friends on an exciting trip to Vietnam and another bravely doing the Camino walk in Spain I am seeing life as an adventure here in my own neck of the woods!

The Last Legion (2007)

The fantasy film, The Last Legion, is about the origins of King Arthur’s sword in connection with young Romulus Augustulus (Thomas Sangster) and the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. This very intriguing story features many gorgeous locations and stars Colin Firth, Ben Kingsley and the stunningly beautiful Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. See: movie trailer 

This film reminded me of fun 60’s fantasy films like Jason and the Argonauts that took me to another world for awhile with both amazing visual effects and some that looked a bit cheesy! And though this film was considered a failure amongst critics and the public I still loved how they presented this idea of how the magical sword Excalibar came to be. The film was a fun ride during my “staycation” in town this Labour Day weekend!

If you find yourself stuck at home and not able to go on traditional vacations then I highly recommend exploring your own neighborhood or city. Enjoy a long walk down streets you’ve never been down before. Or revisit favourite places you went to when you were younger. See all these simple options as an exciting adventure you can take anytime!

Related Tips:
Tip#655: See Life As An Adventure, Part 1 - Kon-Tiki
Tip#667: See Life As An Adventure, Part 2 – 4 Movie Tips
Tip#670: See Life As An Adventure, Part 3 – The Forbidden Kingdom
Tip#704: See Life As An Adventure, Part 4 - The Book Thief
Tip#826: See Life As An Adventure, Part 5 - Water for Elephants
Tip#845: See Life As An Adventure, Part 6 – The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet
Tip#883: See Life As An Adventure, Part 7 - The Last Legion

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#882: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 3 - The Towering Inferno

Growing up as a kid, I loved the disaster films of the 70’s like The Towering Inferno! The story was exciting and I loved the poster artwork which depicted all the key exciting scenes from the film. Plus the music by John Williams really captured my imagination and I'd play the record over and over again!

I enjoyed the movie as pure entertainment and loved watching the characters figure out how to escape being trapped in a glass tower on fire. It would only be years later that I’d recognize this film also demonstrated great leadership.

The Towering Inferno (1974)

The action disaster drama film, The Towering Inferno, is about a fire breaking out at the world’s tallest building at an opening night party trapping hundreds of guests. Producer Irwin Allen is famous for disaster movies creating characters we care about like the architect Doug Roberts (Paul Newman) and Fire Chief Mike O’Halloran (Steve McQueen). See: movie trailer

Seeing this film recently made me aware of what an excellent leader Chief O’Halloran was. From his introduction he demonstrated confidence, assertiveness, resourcefulness, resilience and courage. And unlike today’s disaster films focused on stunning CGI visuals (like 2012 or San Andreas) this 70’s film took the time to show you O’Halloran’s processes for putting out fires and rescuing people in different situations. All the while keeping calm and alert!

Inspiring themes:
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Confidence and Courage
• Resourcefulness
• Teamwork

I recommend revisiting your favourite films growing up as they may have quietly been showing you qualities you wish for like leadership, confidence and courage. Let these films inspire you to unleash these same qualities already inside you!

Related Tips:
Tip#604: Recognize Great Leaders - Lincoln
Tip#702: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 1 – Ender’s Game
Tip#766: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 2 - How to Train Your Dragon 2
Tip#882: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 3 - The Towering Inferno
Tip#926: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 4 - Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy

“You need to find a way to get back to yourself.” 
Love & Mercy (2015)

When I went back to Canada’s Wonderland this summer for the first time since I worked there as a caricature artist in 1981-86 (see tip#700) I felt a bit of melancholy. I was reminded of my incredibly creative years of my youth and running my illustration business as well as the recent decade of losing a big part of myself to chronic depression (see tip#855). I was reminded that I am still not living as fully as I could be.

This year of 2015 I’ve been focused on getting the help I need which I’ve been documenting on this movie blog. And yet sometimes it’s difficult to ask for help because there is a sense of comfort in the withdrawal symptoms I feel like the eternal comfort of a soft warm bed. Thankfully I discovered a movie that mirrored some of my challenges, as well as my creative spirit, and inspires me to step out of my comfort zone.

Love & Mercy (2015)

The biographical drama film, Love & Mercy, is the story of musician-songwriter Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys covering two time periods of the extreme highs and lows of his life and career. Stunning performances from Paul Dano as Brian-Past and John Cusack as Brian-Future along with fantastic music of The Beach Boys. See: movie teaser

The Brian-Past scenes of the 60’s highlighted Brian’s creative genius and process showing behind-the-scenes making of The Beach Boy’s innovative Pet Sounds album. It also showed how his growing mental illness and drug use fueled his creative juices. The fantastic music featured songs like one of my favourites “God Only Knows” used beautifully at the end of the movie Love Actually.

The Brian-Future scenes focused on the 80’s where Brian’s mental illness has left him broken and under the questionable care of therapist Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti). Brian also mentions that he spent three years in bed overeating and self-medicating. It was ultimately inspiring to see that despite the mental pain Brian endures that he found someone supportive and loving like Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks) who believed in him no matter what.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resilience
• Supportive Relationships
• Mental Health

The magic of movies can help mirror the past, present and future possibilities of your life. Recognize the emotional triggers the cinematic stories and characters create for you and remember that these feelings are meaningful. They will help you get back to yourself and your inner strengths and resilience!

Related Tips:
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#805: Resilience Resources, Part 2 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Tip#810: Resilience Resources, Part 3 – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A League of Their Own
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Tip#812: Resilience Resources, Part 5 – Mental Health - Mumford
Tip#813: Resilience Resources, Part 6 - 50 First Dates 
Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild 
Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tip#823: Resilience Resources, Part 9 – Super Bowl -Invincible
Tip#825: Resilience Resources, Part 10 – Mental Health & Healthcare - Big Hero 6
Tip#829: Resilience Resources, Part 11 – The Tartigrade – Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Tip#830: Resilience Resources, Part 12 – Depression & Graham Moore - The Imitation Game 
Tip#833: Resilience Resources, Part 13 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tip#834: Resilience Resources, Part 14 - Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy
Tip#892: Resilience Resources, Part 18 – Problem Solving - The Martian 
Tip#896: Resilience Resources, Part 19 - Depression – J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life 

NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#880: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Fantastic Voyage

“You'll wind up a Hindu; and love all forms of life, no matter how small.” 
Fantastic Voyage (1966)

I am excited to have discovered a promising solution to improving my health and wellness that goes hand in hand with the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work I’ve been doing (see tip#855). I am currently reading Brain Maker by renowned physician and neurologist Dr. David Permutter who says there is a huge brain-gut connection that is the cause of depression and other debilitating brain disorders like autism, ALS and ADHD.

Here is a overview of 5 key points from Brain Maker by Brian Johnson through his Philosophers Notes video. See: video clip

1. 100 trillion microbial friends live in our gut that affect our brain health
2. We have a 2nd brain in our gut with neurons producing 80 to 90% of the feel good chemical serotonin
3. 70 to 80% of our immune system is in our gut
4. Probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt and supplements are needed in gut
5. Diet will optimize our brain and body via 6 keys such as eating probiotic rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and eat low carbs higher healthy fat foods as well as prebiotics to nourish the healthy bacteria

Two recommended video clips:
DAVID PERLMUTTER, M.D. author of Brain Maker, part 1
DAVID PERLMUTTER, M.D. author of Brain Maker, part 2

Brain Maker not only gave me a simple direction to improve my physical and mental health it also fired up my imagination about the trillions of microbial friends living inside me! I began thinking of Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who animated TV show I loved as a kid and also Marvel’s Ant-Man film (see tip#870) that all presented imaginative microscopic worlds. Another related movie I loved growing up was Fantastic Voyage.

Fantastic Voyage (1966)

The science fiction adventure film, Fantastic Voyage, is about a medical team shrunk to microscopic size and venture into a human body to repair damage to the brain. With stunning visuals for its time this film won two academy awards for Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects. Memorable performances from the cast include Stephen Boyd, Donald Pleasence, Edmond O’Brien, Arthur O'Connell and Raquel Welch. See: original 60's movie trailer

When I started reading Brain Maker I watched Fantastic Voyage for the first time in decades and it triggered nostalgic memories from its wondrous music, beautifully designed submarine (the Proteus) and the stirring visuals of traveling through blood vessels, the heart and the brain.

Being immersed in the film’s microscopic imagery inspired me to visualize my own gut and the trillion microbes that needed my attention and help. Since then I researched online, health food stores and talked to friends who've already discovered the health benefits of probiotic foods and supplements. I’ve made immediate changes to my diet and started taking a recommended probiotic product called Ultimate Flora with each capsule containing 50 billion live cultures and 10 strains of microflora essential to revitalizing my gut.

These amounts may sound staggering but I am now visualizing that I am helping these trillions of living microbes within me after years of a poor, neglected diet. I remain hopeful that my diet and lifestyle changes help eliminate my depression once and for all and return me back to my energetic, playful, social self! I have shows like Horton Hears a Who, Ant-Man and Fantastic Voyage to thank for helping me visualize the world of my inner body!

Your personal health and wellness can sometimes be a challenge to manage. Movies, especially favourite ones, can be powerful tools to stimulate your imagination and keep an open mind for solutions already at hand. Let them inspire you to visualize the success you crave in your life, health, work or career!

Related Tips:
Tip#945: Believe in Miracles, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Miracles from Heaven 
Tip#408: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 1 – Pecha Kucha Night – Temple Grandin
Tip#880: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 2 - Fantastic Voyage
Tip#831: Creative Visualization, Part 1 - Reticular Activating System (RAS) - Focus
Tip#890: Creative Visualization, Part 2 - Mental Health - Pawn Sacrifice  
Tip#980: Creative Visualization, Part 3 – Mental Imagery - Rio Olympics 2016 – 4 Inspiring Movies
Tip#389: Focus On The Reality You Want – Inception 
Tip#568: Visualization & Your Imagination, Part 1 – 6 Movie Tips
Tip#663: Visualization & Your Imagination, Part 2 – Bedtime Stories
Tip#759: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015