Tip#913: The Silver Lining of Anxiety - The Good Dinosaur

Anxiety: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

I feel my indestructible optimism has been tested recently. To my surprise my laptop casing started to swell up making the track pad useless and sitting unevenly on the desk. I found out this was due to a swollen battery filled with trapped expanded gases and was very dangerous. I was consulted by Apple to immediately stop using my laptop and then set up an appointment to have the battery removed at a Mac Store. I was very anxious and was compelled to go without an appointment. To solve this problem. I had to wait several hours but the battery was finally removed and I was able to work on my laptop that was now lighter. I felt much lighter too!

The next test came when I re-fractured a tooth that had been repaired a year ago and the pain gradually increased each day I procrastinated not seeing a dentist. Finally the pain was too great and my anxiety pushed me to call. I was so grateful he was able to see me the next day. The cracked tooth was beyond saving so it had to be extracted. But the pain was gone afterwards and I had a great sense of relief and peace of mind.

These two challenges reminded me of what I was currently learning at the second program I’ve completed called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Relapse Prevention at CAMH (see tip#863). I was learning about the nature of anxiety and how to manage it. There is a silver lining to anxiety in that it helps us get out of danger, to take action. Anxiety can be a motivator. So having had my recent tests I feel I’ve increased my indestructible optimism by seeing the positives of the unpleasant feelings of anxiety.

Recommended article: The Anxiety Survival Guide

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

The Pixar animated adventure, comedy drama, The Good Dinosaur, is about Arlo (Raymond Ochoa), a young dinosaur, who learns to overcome fearful feelings since birth when he is separated from his family during a rainstorm. This visually lush, magical and epic film has some fun characters like the Neanderthal boy Spot (Jack Bright), Ario’s father Poppa (Jeffrey Wright), Thunderclap (Steve Zahn) and many other whimsical dinosaurs! See: movie trailer 

This is an excellent family film about perseverance, resilience and learning how to find courage through unexpected challenges. Through Arlo’s journey home you’ll see how his initial anxiety with each adversity causes him to take action to find solutions and save himself and his new friends. That courage increases along with his confidence with the loving help of Spot whom he originally saw as a threat.

Inspiring Themes:
• Perseverance
• Courage
• Confidence
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Team Spirit
• Family

Anxiety can feel uncomfortable and yet has a positive quality. Do your best to see its silver lining for getting you to take immediate action. It jump-starts your survival instincts to find solutions and a way out of trouble. It will help you find good people who can guide you through uncertainty. Let movie heroes (or dinosaurs!) inspire you to find your inner strengths and courage!

Related Tips:
Tip#200: How To Build Indestructible Optimism - 9 Movie Tips 
Tip#300: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 1 – Top 25 Movies 
Tip#332: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#1002: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power, Part 2 – Doctor Strange
Tip#1027: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power, Part 3 – Catastrophic Thinking - Split
Tip#1036: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power, Part 4 – Anxiety - The Space Between Us
Tip#913: The Silver Lining of Anxiety - The Good Dinosaur
Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – PTSD – Iron Man 3

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) Inspiration, Insights & Epiphanies 



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#912: The Power of Emotional Release - Supergirl - Creed

“See this guy staring back at you? That’s your toughest opponent. I believe that’s true in the ring and I think that’s true in life.” 
Creed (2015)

I’ve been thinking about my dad a lot lately and maybe it’s because it’s the holiday season and that’s when he passed away. I remember him being social man and also a very quiet man and I see myself in both sides to him. Though with the work I’ve been doing with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) I’ve begun to uncover unexpressed emotions at the root of unresolved life issues. At first I wasn’t sure what they were. Then, synchronistically, one idea came out while watching a TV show!

On a recent episode of Supergirl starring Melissa Benoist, she started to show signs of uncontrollable anger. As her Earth alias, Kara Danvers, she yelled at her boss (highly unusual for her character) who then sat down with her and told her “there was anger behind the anger”. Kara then goes through methods of releasing that anger and has an epiphany of its source having to do with her parents and not able to live a normal life. As Supergirl she then battles a robot where she channels all her anger through her laser beams eyes. This scene resonated with me big time!

I actually got emotional witnessing Supergirl unleash a lifetime of rage in one of the most spectacular scenes I’ve seen in a superhero film or TV show. I believe I was given a big clue as to what I needed to do to release my own trapped emotions. And according to many personal growth authors such as Bill Ferguson of Heal the Hurt that Sabotages Your Life, this is the key to breaking down the barriers to the success, relationships, dreams and goals that feel terminally out of reach.

Creed (2015)

The sports drama film, Creed, is about Adonis "Donnie" Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) the son of an extramarital affair of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed from the Rocky films. To find his place in the world Adonis connects with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to be his boxing trainer. This is a powerful and entertaining new chapter of the Rocky series that also creates a new series for Creed. There are great performances by the whole cast. See: movie trailer

There is an amazing scene that is captured in a single steadicam shot. It is an entire 2-round boxing match. I’ve read that there was no post-production stitching used and now I have to see it again! Along with riveting scenes like this there are also many humorous and emotional moments among the characters.

This movie affected me in many ways. First I was inspired by how Creed channeled his anger into his boxing and how that helped him heal his father issues. Then I also loved seeing more of Rocky and being a mentor to Creed. There is also a miraculous scene in the final boxing scene that blew me away which I cannot reveal here! It just further inspired me to believe that my father is still with me in spirit.

It takes a lot of courage to look deeply into yourself and face dark aspects you may not want to admit or acknowledge. Find the movie heroes or TV show characters you resonate with and let their courage and achievements inspire your own inner strengths!

Related Tips:
Tip#839: Activate The Power of Your Mind, Part 3 - Trapped Emotions – Pleasantville
Tip#912: The Power of Emotional Release - Supergirl – Creed
Tip#983: The Power of Emotional Release, Part 2 - Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru
Tip#986: The Power of Emotional Release, Part 3 - A Monster Calls 

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, Inspiration & Epiphanies 



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#911: Believe in Miracles, Part 1 - Miracle on 34th Street

Even since I experienced a bankruptcy years ago I’ve felt so grateful to have received many little miracles (see tip#400). Some were random acts of kindness from friends, family and even total strangers when things looked hopeless or impossible. Some were financial assistance related that came from out of the blue and at the last minute.

I’ll always remember one miracle thanks to my friend Lynn Manwar who recently passed away. Years ago when I needed to find a new home and found it seemingly impossible I was down to the last minute and did my best to maintain my belief that I’d find a place. I remember praying on a bus coming from my last option that didn’t work out. Once I got home I realized I had a message on my phone from Lynn asking if I was still looking for a place.

I immediately called her back and she said she had this sudden insight to call me and offer an extra room in her beautiful condo overlooking the lake. I was stunned and graciously accepted. To me this was a miracle and I felt it happened because I kept on believing no matter how bleak my future looked. This is what all my adversities over the years have taught me and it strengthens my indestructible optimism. And it was a reminder that there are always good people, like Lynn, who have a kind and generous heart.

Author and speaker, Dr. Joe Vitale also inspires me to continue to strengthen my positive mindset when he says to focus on the statement “expect miracles” in his books Zero Limits and Expect Miracles. I feel this is a wonderful, positive idea because it can train the mind to remain open to the unknown ways solutions can arrive. Here are two versions of the same film that also inspire faith and keeping an open mind and heart.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

The Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street, is about a kind old man who believes he is Santa Claus and how his belief causes everyone around him to either lift their spirits, change their own beliefs or feel threatened. This version stars Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, John Payne as Fred Gailey the lawyer who helps Kris, Maureen O’Hara as Doris Walker and Natalie Wood as her daughter Susan. See: movie clip

“Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.” 

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

This updated version stars Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford, Elizabeth Perkins as Dorey Walker and Mara Wilson as her daughter Susan. Both films have wonderful performances and heartwarming moments and very funny scenes. They both inspire the idea of having faith when what you see seems hopeless or impossible. They also demonstrate that even a non-believer can change their mind, heart and attitude. See movie clip: Kris with deaf girl

“If you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt.” 

Also I love that each movie has a unique legal solution at the exciting courtroom finale! I highly recommend seeing both films.

Having an open mind to miracles is a good step towards activating your indestructible optimism when life or work appears hopeless. Let your favourite movies and movie heroes inspire you to build a positive mindset and be open to receiving unexpected solutions and gifts when you need them most. And who knows? You may also be the one to provide someone else a much needed miracle!

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, Inspiration & Epiphanies 
 


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#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life

As of this writing I am in my fourth month out of recovery for chronic depression and feeling like my old energetic, enthusiastic self! My mind is sharp, active and productive. I am so grateful for the 15 week group program called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) because it was the first big key to my recovery from clinical depression (see tip#863). The book we worked with was Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greeberger, PhD and Christine A. Padesky, PhD. The basic idea was the reprogramming and refocusing of my negative, hopeless thoughts because the rumination is what leads to emotions, physical reactions and behaviors that perpetuate the depression cycle.

During the weekly sessions each attendee went back in time into our memories to review positive and negative triggers. Amazingly I’d remember so many good things I’d forgotten such as my personal value to myself and others. I’d remember the great leader I was in public school projects and the excellent grades I received. There were many awards I won in high school and I was valedictorian as well. And I always had good friends. Unfortunately, these are thoughts that become invisible in the mental fog of depression.

In the CBT program I’d learn to identify hidden core beliefs that amplified my depression symptoms and how to rewrite these beliefs. These exercises would make me think of two Christmas classics that I felt have been secretly teaching me about CBT for years!

A Christmas Carol (1951)

There are several cinematic versions of A Christmas Carol and my favourite stars Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge is an embittered, miser living an unhappy life who is helped by three Ghosts of Christmas to review his life. He is shown his past as a child where core beliefs were formed creating his lack of compassion for others. He is then shown the present on how others celebrate Christmas such as his employee Bob Cratchit and his family. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come then shows Scrooge what lies in his future if he does not change.

“I haven't taken leave of my senses. I've come to them.”

All these life review experiences help Scrooge to refocus his thoughts which then transforms his emotions and behaviors. He then becomes a joyful example of a man finally free of destructive beliefs to be more caring, loving and thoughtful of others and, equally important, more loving to himself.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)

In the Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, Clarence the angel (Henry Travers) performs CBT refocusing with George Bailey (James Stewart) who is on the verge of suicide. He feels his life has been wasted and is feeling hopeless and faced with a financial crisis. Clarence helps George visualize all the positive deeds performed in his life and this causes him to remember all the people he has helped and that he is surrounded by a loving, supportive community.

"You see, George, you've really had a wonderful life."

Having refocused his thoughts, George’s emotions and behaviour are transformed and returns to his life able to fully appreciate the little things as well as the issues and adversities he once felt hopeless with.

See Psychology Today article:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression -"It's a Wonderful Life" is an instructional film on healing depression

The tools I learned from CBT as well as the power of movies all helped to amplify my indestructible optimism. They’ve become my resilience resources. This, in turn, helps me to help others navigate through their own journeys and adversities in life and work. This is the silver lining of my experience with depression. I believe you will find the silver lining too! You can start by watching these two movies in a whole new light.

If you are dealing with depression or feel you are caught in a never-ending cycle of life or career struggles then I highly recommend you see these films as tools to inspire you to transform your life. And if you resonate with CBT then I also recommend you look into a program at a mental health centre near you. You deserve to live and enjoy a full life! And remember you are already surrounded with the help and resources you need.

Related Tips:
Tip#855: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 1 - Depression & Mental Health - Tomorrowland  
Tip#863: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 2 - Depression & Mental Health - Inside Out 
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything 
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, Inspiration & Epiphanies 



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#909: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 2 - The Little Prince

“Growing up is not the problem. Forgetting is.” 
The Little Prince (2015)

I rarely write about a movie that hasn’t been released in North America yet but my happy, enthusiastic inner child wants to share my feelings of seeing an advanced screening of the animated movie The Little Prince. The film has already opened in France, Brazil and China and was shown at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

As I wrote in tip#906, the work I’ve been doing to connect with my inner child has been vital to re-energizing my mental health and has spread to improvements with close relationships and my physical and spiritual health! So seeing this film was a highly synchronistic and magical experience that touched my heart and soul.

The Little Prince (2015)

The Little Prince, is a stop motion and computer-animated family drama adventure fantasy film based on the classic French novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. An isolated Little Girl (Mackenzie Foy) meets an eccentric old neighbor, the Aviator (Jeff Bridges), who tells her a fantastic tale about the world of the Little Prince where anything is possible. This magical, heartwarming, visually stunning film also features wonderful vocal talents of Rachel McAdams, James Franco, Paul Rudd, Marion Cotillard, Ricky Gervais, Albert Brooks, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Giamatti and Riley Osborne.
See: movie trailer 1
See: movie trailer 2

This movie was my first exposure to The Little Prince story and is a slower paced movie compared to something like Disney’s Inside Out. And yet I believe it is perfect for adults to slowly allow their inner child to resonate with the film's important life lessons about childhood fun, growing up and even dealing with death.

 “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” 
The Little Prince (2015)

Recognizing and acknowledging the playful, happy, imaginative world of your inner child is essential in adulthood. And sharing that sense of fun through human connections is also vital. These are the timely messages of The Little Prince.

"Once when I was six years old, I believed something very simple- that what is most important is invisible to the eye. But then I grew up. I forgot all about being a child- until something miraculous happened..."
The Little Prince (2015)

If you find yourself stuck in your life or career as an adult it may be time to re-ignite your inner fun and playful spirit again. Reconnect with an old friend today, laugh, smile and remember the happy, care-free times you had as a kid!

Read: Variety film review

Related Tips:
Tip#906: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 1 - Top 10 Movies 
Tip#909: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 2 - The Little Prince 
Tip#917: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 3 - Joy 
Tip#928: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 4 - Hector and the Search for Happiness
Tip#1082: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 5 - The Florida Project
Tip#1083: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 6 – I, Tonya 
Tip#1084: Connecting with Your Inner Child, Part 7 - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 

Tip#494: Keep Childlike Wonder Alive - Steve Jobs – Real Steel
Tip#422: Keep Your Playful Imagination Alive – Imagine That

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, Inspiration & Epiphanies 



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

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015