Tip#1013: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 6 - PTSD - Prison Dogs

I am really loving the audiobook, Loveability by Dr. Robert Nelson (see tip#1012). It is empowering my belief that our external problems in any area of life will transform when we can be more loving and accepting of ourselves and embrace our inner strengths. It is also helping me identify the differences between our “Unconditioned Self” and our “Learned Self” or our authentic self and ego. It reminded me of something someone told me years ago that dogs are great examples of showing us unconditional love.

I recently attended The 5th Annuall JAYU Human Rights Film Festival where they screened the documentary, Prison Dogs, with a Q&A afterwards. I was very excited to see this film, thanks to Natalie Daley of Art with Impact, because when I first read about it I instantly felt it would be an inspiring film about love, hope, redemption, resilience, mental health and wellness. And, of course, there would be lots of super cute puppies!

Prison Dogs (2016)

The documentary, Prison Dogs, is about a groundbreaking program allowing prison inmates to care for and train puppies as service dogs for injured veterans. This highly engaging film focuses on five prisoners, their puppies and the vets that would receive the trained dogs. See: trailer

There are so many stories to be inspired and moved by in this film. There are the stories of each inmate and the love they develop with their puppies. And then there are the stories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) the veterans experience and how each dog is trained to help them. There are amazing scenes of dogs being trained to turn on the lights, pull the blanket off their owner and pick up the emergency telephone when the owner has a nightmare. See: 8 minute preview

In the Q&A after the screening there was a Skype discussion with producer Jennifer Mirsky and veteran Tracy Pennycuik. Tracy shared a touching story about her dog and her husband who is also a vet suffering from PTSD. He refuses to admit he has a disorder or need his own dog but one night he experienced a nightmare and Tracy’s dog came to his rescue, turning on the light and pulling the bed covers off of him!

This is definitely thanks to the dog’s training and yet I like to see it as a form of unconditional love for someone who needed love and support. Hearing this story and seeing the dogs in action in the documentary inspired me to be more unconditional in my love with others and with myself. After all, sometimes need some rescuing for ourselves.

Movies and documentaries can mirror your inner strengths and help you believe you can be a better person. They can show you movie heroes who persevere to become better people or overcome health & wellness challenges. Even animals like dogs can show you what unconditional love looks and feels like! Be inspired today by whatever reflects the best within you!

Related Tips:
Tip#530: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 1 - The Color of Money
Tip#570: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 2 - Nim's Island
Tip#693: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 3 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – Iron Man 3
Tip#972: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 5 – Spider-Man 2.1 
Tip#1013: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 6 - Prison Dogs

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#1012: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 2

It’s been five days since I had an emergency tooth extraction and have been resting indoors. I’ve just been focused on healing ASAP so I can enjoy eating again! I was in a bit of shock when I realized I fractured a tooth that couldn't be saved but it gave me time to start listening to my new audio book version of Loveability by Dr. Robert Holden. As I mentioned in tip#1010 his insights have helped me make positive changes in my health and wellness, career and relationships.

Also, in my down time, I’ve been watching many Hallmark made-for-TV Christmas movies that helped distract me from the pain of my extracted molar. It always amazes me how these charming and cheesy romantic chick flicks lighten my mood and put me in a Christmas spirit! Here are six films I recommend…

Borrowed Hearts (1997)
This isn't a Hallmark movie but a close friend recommended this hidden gem from the late 90’s and there are moments that touched my heart and made me cry. Plus I loved seeing Roma Downey whom I’ve loved since seeing the Touched By An Angel TV series. See: full movie

Finding Christmas (2013)
I watched this again since mentioning it three years ago in tip#716. Tricia Helfer’s character says some profoundly spiritual lines while country star TJ Hodges singing of Joy To The World always lifts me up. See: movie trailer
See JT Hodges performing "Joy to the World": movie clip

Journey Back to Christmas (2016)
I initially wanted to see this because it had a time travel theme but then got drawn into the characters and lessons they all learned from a woman transported from the WW II era to 2016. See: movie trailer

Christmas in Homestead (2016)
This reminded of the Notting Hill movie which is a favourite of mine! I instantly had a crush on actress Katrina Norman who plays Zoe! See: movie trailer

Christmas Cookies (2016)
Watching this really made me hungry for Christmas cookies! Make sure you have some around when you see this. I need to find some homemade shortbread cookies later today! See: movie trailer

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
This was a real hidden gem with great, hilarious and engaging performances by the entire cast like Brooke Burns, Warren Christie and Henry Winkler! See: movie trailer

There are so many made-for-TV Christmas movies to enjoy from over the years. Hallmark puts out about a dozen each year starting in November so there will always be an overflowing supply of uplifting, romantic, sugary films to put you in the Christmas spirit. And if you know someone with the holiday blues just recommend a favourite holiday film to cheer them up!

If you have any made-for-tv Christmas movies to recommend please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#716: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 1
Tip#1012: Heartwarming TV Christmas Movies, Part 2
Tip#908: Movie Messages of Hope for The Holidays, Part 1 - The Night Before
Tip#916: Movie Messages of Hope for The Holidays, Part 2 - Crown for Christmas

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"MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS":
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
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LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#1011: Movies About Magic – Top 5 Films

Magician, Bryan Abichandani blew my mind with his magic at the C.J. Graphics 30th Annual Xmas Open House Party 2016 (see tip#1010). It was a well known card trick where I wrote my name down on a card and it kept appearing in unexpected places in the deck. But Bryan really blew me away when I left and returned a few minutes later to ask if I could keep the card as a memento. He asked if I remembered the card and then said, “Never mind just pick another card and we’ll start over.” He then fanned out the cards and I picked a random card. The card I picked was the card with my name!!! WTF! How did he do that? I could have picked any card!!!

Magician, Bryan Abichandani 

What was so synchronistic is I had just watched the 2016 TV special, David Blaine: Beyond Magic and other Youtube clips of Blaine doing similar card tricks like on his appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. I knew that these tricks are illusions but I was still in awe of the magical feeling and awe I felt when Bryan asked me to pick any card and I picked the one with my name on it!

This amazing feeling is similar to the magic I feel when I see a movie that surprises me with its twists in the plot or other unexpected reveals that make me rethink everything I just saw! Here are my top five films that feature magicians and magic that are equally thrilling as well as inspirational and motivational.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

This comedy has a great cast including Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde and Jim Carrey. It’s about a Las Vegas magic duo that breaks up and how one of these magicians rediscovers his passion and humanity with the help of his idol and the women he loves.
Read more: Tip#640

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

This fantasy adventure stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weiss. It is a prequel story to The Wizard of Oz film and is about a magician and scam artist that finds redemption helping the good people of Oz with his unique use of light projection, science, showmanship and slight of hand.
Read more: Tip#637
Read more: Tip#659

The Prestige (2006)

This mystery thriller stars Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie. It is about a rival between two magicians and how far they will go to create the world’s greatest magic trick.
Read more: Tip#112

The Illusionist (2006)

This romantic mystery film stars Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giametti and Rufus Sewell. It is about a magician in turn-of-the-century Vienna who uses his magical performances to reconnect with his childhood love now far above his social standing.
Read more: Tip#266

Now You See Me (2013)

This heist thriller film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman, Mélanie Laurent and Michael Caine. It’s about a team of magicians mysteriously asked to come together and perform amazing events that give money back to people like a modern day Robin Hood. Read more: Tip#681

There are more films I could add like the sequel Now You See Me 2 (see Tip#981), the entire eight film series of Harry Potter (see: my list of links) and its prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (see Tip#1006). But if you are looking for some immediate amazement and also be inspired by the movie hero’s journey and personal growth then I highly recommend these five films.

Movies about magic can work on three empowering levels. One is enjoying the tricks and illusions the magicians perform. Second is the inspiration you can receive by what the movie hero learns through their life or career challenges. And third is the enduring magical feeling you get when watching a movie that emotionally moves you and leaves you with a warming sense of wonder, awe and excitement! Discover these fantastic, uplifting feelings today!



NEED SOME CHEERING UP?
SEE NOW: Uplifting 4 min. Hollywood movie montage & song by Emmanuel Lopez!

ON SALE NOW:
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
The uplifting eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#1010: Health & Wellness for the Holidays - Love the Coopers

For the past week the dark cloud of clinical depression has lifted and I’ve been feeling like my old self again! My focus and concentration has increased and my whole inner operating system feels like it’s back online with upgrades! I definitely felt it’s because of specific areas of therapy I’ve been focused on.

The amazing results of following this regiment are how good I felt daily at work and at recent social events. I felt more present and more authentic with whoever I was meeting because I wasn't pretending or hiding my mental health challenges I’ve learned to do so well for many years.

1) HEALTH & WELLNESS
a. Rhythmical Massage Therapy (see Elias Abdel Ahad)
b. Guided Meditations daily (Future Self technique see tip#759 and listen to Future Self Meditation by Holly Higgins)
c. Self Acceptance/Love Exercises daily (Loveability book by Dr. Robert Holden)
d. Physical Exercise
e. Cinema Therapy: My own resources www.motivatorman.com

2) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET
a. Increased water 1 to 2 litres daily
b. Paleo Diet (lowering grain foods while increasing vegetables, fruits, meats and fish)
c. Supplements (Krill oil)

3) INCREASED SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
a. Attending special events and parties
b. Face-to-Face meetings
c. Meeting new friends and catching up with old friends

Daniel McDonough, Dining Room Manager & Sommelier of The Boulevard Club and Jody Ness, TV host of Wine Portfolio and Wildfire Steakhouse owner

David Grossman, Mortgage Agent and host of The Mensch Life Show

I’ve met some amazing new people like Daniel McDonough, Dining Room Manager & Sommelier of The Boulevard Club and Jody Ness, TV host of Wine Portfolio and Wildfire Steakhouse owner. I learned a lot from them at the Vinho Verde wine tasting dinner at The Boulevard Club along with my pal, David Grossman, Mortgage Agent and host of The Mensch Life Show.

Barbara Spurll, CAPIC Toronto Chapter President and Illustrator

The next night I was at the CAPIC Xmas Party, the union I was with when I was a full time illustrator called Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators. There I reconnected with the Toronto Chapter President and amazing portrait illustrator Barbara Spurll. I also met photographer James William Dawson who took a great photo of me after I won a door prize of a Lula Lounge dinner & show for two plus Salsa dance lessons!

Laural Carr, Creative Director & Owner, Impagination Inc., Jeff Ekstein, President & CEO of Willow Printing Group, Carly Silberstein, CEO of Redstone Event & Association Management

Lynda Mullen, Accounts Manager, C.J.Graphics Inc.

The 3rd night after that I attended the famous C.J. Graphics Xmas Party & Open House that was overflowing with delicious foods and drink and enjoyable social atmosphere. I enjoyed the festive event with many close friends that included my social media client Laural Carr, Creative Director & Owner of Impagination Inc. who introduced me to the wonderful Carly Silberstein, CEO of Redstone Event & Association Management and her father Jeff Ekstein, President & CEO of Willow Printing Group.

All these events put me in a real Christmas mood because I loved meeting all these great people who all appreciated the work I was doing in the Health & Wellness field as a motivational speaker and blogger sharing my creative coping methods like cinema to empower and inspire. This leads me to share a new holiday favourite I recently discovered. It didn’t get great reviews but for me it was part of my movie therapy and it immediately re-energized my spirit and warmed my heart when I saw it!



Love the Coopers (2016)

The Christmas comedy film, Love the Coopers, is about what happens when four generations of the Cooper clan come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration. This wonderful movie features hilarious scenes, heartwarming relationships and timeless holiday reminders of the festive season. This film stars Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Amanda Seyfried, Ed Helms, Marisa Tomei, Anthony Mackie and Olivia Wilde. See: movie trailer

I was so surprised I missed this film when it was released and yet that is part of the magic of cinema where the perfect movie falls right into your lap at the exact time you need it most for inspiration and motivation. Each member of the Cooper family has a heartfelt story which leads to emotional scenes demonstrating the positive and negative factors of family getting together during the holidays.

In the end this film proves yet again that the best therapy is embracing a sense of family and the love and support you can receive from people who believe in you. I hope this is destined to be a holiday classic so I highly recommend you check this out and let me know what you think.

If you are dealing with health and wellness challenges during the holidays I wish you all the love and support you can find. Remember to be open to all types of therapies and solutions and that you can always give yourself a movie prescription to empower yourself. And always remember to be open to the unexpected family and friends, both old and new, that can lift your spirits whenever you need a smile!



NEED SOME CHEERING UP?
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ON SALE NOW:
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
The uplifting eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker Discover
How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#1009: Discover Your Life Purpose, Part 2 - Moana

I’ve recently been taking inventory of my creative output via this movie blog and Instagram photos of my Film Food Friends Project and they each have over 1,000 entries. Plus I recently reviewed the contents of my storage locker and was surprised to see hundreds of my original artworks and commissioned illustrations in there. Some of which no one has seen before!

Realizing this overwhelming output has made me re-access my purpose in life. As I’ve discovered this year, my creative output over the years has been due to using my talents for writing, art, music, photos and public speaking programs as creative coping methods for clinical depression. And so I’ve been organizing my content to get feedback as to what my higher purpose is and where I can best be of service to others.

1) UPLIFTING MOVIE MONTAGE for DEPRESSION
• Features an original song created as a coping method for depression
• See video: Click here

2) MOVIES & WELLNESS BLOG
• Over 1,000 tips: www.motivatorman.blogspot.com
• Same movie titles listed A to Z: www.motivatorman.wordpress.com

3) UPLIFTING PHOTOS for DEPRESSION & WELLNESS
• Over 1,000 photos and tips on Instagram
• The Film Food Friends Project: www.instagram.com/motivatorman1

4) MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING programs & Ebooks
• Speaker Topics: www.motivatorman.com/services
• Motivatorman's Resilience Resources: www.motivatorman.com/resilience-tips 

5) ILLUSTRATIONS & ARTWORKS
• Samples from Illustration Business: www.crackersworld.blogspot.ca
• Samples of Artworks & Prints: www.emmanuellopez.com

I've realized I continue to be on a journey defining and re-defining who I am despite clinical depression as an aspect of this journey. I am grateful I no longer see my health and wellness challenges as a negative because I’ve embraced this as part of my life experiences and purpose! It excites me to know I have so many creations that can inspire others to persevere and stay strong along their own difficult paths.

And thankfully there are always movies with movie heroes that can inspire us all to help discover who we are and what we are meant to do in life!



Moana (2016)

The animated, fantasy, adventure, musical film, Moana, is about a Polynesian island girl named Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) who is mystically guided on an adventure to save her people with the help of the shape shifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). This action packed voyage is filled with gorgeous island scenery, humorous characters, catchy songs and strong cinematic role models. See: movie trailer

The character of Moana continues Disney’s tradition to create empowered female characters who demonstrate the qualities of courage, leadership, passion, perseverance and much more. She’s very much like a action superhero! Maui also demonstrates the strengths of finding themselves again after losing his way. This is a fantastic film for inspiring anyone at any age to find their purpose, their calling and who they really are!

Inspiring Themes:
• Self-Identity
• Life Path & Purpose
• Courage
• Passion
• Perseverance & Tenacity
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Family

Family films can be a wonderful tool and method for helping you or someone you care about learn more of your life’s purpose or calling. The movie heroes you resonate with can help you identify your path and what you feel most passionate about. This passion will be your fuel and drive to discover who you truly are and enjoy a meaningful life journey!

NOTE: As a bonus the short animated film that precedes Moana in the theatre is called Inner Workings and it is brilliant and hilarious!

Related Tips:
Tip#363: Discover Your Life Purpose – Accepted
Tip#1009: Discover Your Life Purpose, Part 2 - Moana
Tip#277: Unearthing Your Passion & Purpose - Get Shorty
Tip#476: Do You Know Who You Are? - Captain America: The First Avenger - 5 Movie Tips



ARE YOU FEELING SAD, ALONE, LOST or DEPRESSED?
SEE NOW:
New uplifting 4 min. movie montage & song by Emmanuel Lopez!

ON SALE NOW:
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
The uplifting eBook by Emmanuel Lopez: Click Here

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016