Tip#1078: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 5 - Darkest Hour

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Winter Blues

Despite whatever the weather is like outside I can feel the darkness of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in my body and all around me. This is the first winter I've been able to identify a difference between SAD aka winter blues and clinical depression. The challenge all these years is that the symptoms are very similar: loss of focus, concentration, energy, drive and enthusiasm, feeling heaviness in body and most of all loss of any joy or hope. The difference, for me, is the quick, rejuvenating feeling of sunlight.

Thankfully my intuition was guiding me to resume research on SAD and it brought me back to a wonderful, simple slide show I found years ago (see slide show). It outlines evidence that SAD is caused by a disruption in a person's circadian rhythm or "body clock". More exposure to daylight through the eyes is an important step forward.

See slide show: The Story of S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) 

I've been soaking up lots of bright, warm sunshine at a newly renovated Coffee Time store near my home. This coffee shop was transformed while I was away on Christmas vacation and it now has brighter colours and a warm design with lots of high, glass walls keeping the cold out!

I really felt this drop of sunlight energy and vitamin D around five days of returning from three amazing weeks in sunny Las Vegas. The shift I felt was very acute and distinct. I was grateful for this epiphany to feel the differences in depression categories since SAD is another form of depression. Despite difficult days, I've been able to cope thanks to my daily walks, exposure to sunlight/light lamp therapy, CBT tools, prayers, meditations, extra rest, uplifting foods and, of course, the magical movies that synchronistically come my way. The Darkest Hour was one of them!

Darkest Hour (2017)

The war, drama film, Darkest Hour, is about Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) at the precipice of World War II with Nazi Germany and within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain. This highly engaging story also stars Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI, Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill and Lily James as the Prime Minister's secretary Elizabeth Layton. See: movie trailer

Oldman gives a powerful performance for Churchill who demonstrated strong leadership qualities of having a vision, passion, resilience, perseverance and indestructible optimism. He also shows humility, vulnerability and willingness to keep an open mind. Churchill's legendary public speaking skills and speeches are also highlighted and celebrated in this film. In the end Churchill inspires by standing up for what is right and being of service to the needs of his people and land.

Winston Churchill & His Depression

One aspect about Churchill that was not featured was his well documented dealings with depression. He referred to battling depression as "the black dog" and also coped by using creative tools like painting and writing. This personally inspires me because these are two creative tools near and dear to my heart and how I've documented my own journey and solutions for clinical depression and SAD. See my new web page: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

There is also a great article I highly recommend on Churchill and how depression "can give us new and quite radical insights – it can give us a way of responding effectively to challenges we have in life". Read: How Winston Churchill Beat Depression

Leadership isn't just about leading in the workplace, politics, schools, communities and in sports. It's also about personal leadership. It's about coping with and overcoming the darkness. It's about finding the bright light tha's always within you. Be inspired by real-life leaders and cinematic role-models to empower you to keep moving forward in your challenges in life or at work. Never give up no matter how hopeless it all appears.

And if you are dealing with any forms of depression just know that other people's stories and experiences can provide you with unlimited hope to persevere!

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
Tip#1078: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 5 - Darkest Hour



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION, S.A.D. OR WINTER BLUES?
• READ: Top 10 Inspiring Movies for Managing Depression
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• DISCOVER: 8 Creative Tools for Motivation & Depression

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1077: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 5 – The Greatest Showman

On Monday January 15th I was told by The Toronto Star reporter who interviewed me for an article that it was Blue Monday, the name given to this specific date claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. She said the paper didn't plan this when they published a feature on my experience with depression. But as some of you know I really believe in synchronicity so this was divinely perfect!

The article was called “Lifting barriers to battling the dark demon of depression” and it revealed the damaging details of clinical depression and one of the key therapies that helped me called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This prompted many friends to reach out to me who didn’t know the extent of my challenges and sent me their love, support, encouragement and gratitude for my bravery. Read full article: The Toronto Star

The sad irony is that two days later, my five fantastic weeks of feeling great while on holiday ended and I slipped back into a familiar dark place. But this time it felt more like winter blues symptoms aka seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression. It felt like slowly sinking into a dark hole while at the same time being drained of confidence, focus, purpose and joy.

On that same morning I got a high recommendation from a friend on Facebook to see the film The Greatest Showman. My intuition and inner voice was joyfully shouting that I needed to see this immediately! I knew this was the cinematic tonic I craved and got dressed and headed out the door. It was a bright and sunny day and despite the chill I could already feel the sun’s vitamin D re-energizing my eyes and skin. The movie would take me even higher!



The Greatest Showman (2017)

The drama musical film, The Greatest Showman, tells the story of American showman P.T Barnum (Hugh Jackman), who founded the famous circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. This visually colourful and exciting film is filled with original songs, lively dance scenes and engaging performances by Jackman, as well, as Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zac Efron and Zendaya. There are also the oddities played by Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz, a bearded lady and Sam Humphrey as Charles Stratton, a dwarf performer aka General Tom Thumb. See: movie trailer

While sitting in the theatre waiting for the movie to start I could feel depression symptoms increase and weigh me down. But when the film started the sights and sounds of Hugh Jackman and the rest of the singers and dancers quickly lifted me up! I was whisked away to another world! I would also shed tears at many key moments that reflected the ups and downs of my own life. The film was pure movie magic.

There were some issues I had with the film but the inspiration and motivation I felt was far stronger. The movie celebrated the birth of show business and featured a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Barnum demonstrated pure passion, perseverance, vision, resilience, leadership, humility, indestructible optimism, family and so much more. The oddities were also inspiring with their will to face and overcome prejudice and prove their belief in themselves and their uniqueness.

If you are feeling like you're slowly sinking into a dark hole do your best to remember what cognitive behavioural therapy calls your “pleasurable activities”. If movies are one of those activities remember the uplifting power of the sights and sounds you will experience on the big or small screen! The characters, situations and music can re-ignite hope and drive within you and motivate you to keep moving forward. This could be the cinematic tonic you needed most!

Related Tips:
Tip#1000: The Uplifting Power of Cinema – Celebrating 1,000 Movie Tips & In the Film song 
Tip#1038: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 2 - The Zookeeper’s Wife 
Tip#1040: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 3 - Their Finest 
Tip#1044: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 4 – Galaxy Quest
Tip#1077: The Uplifting Power of Cinema, Part 5 – The Greatest Showman



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR WINTER BLUES?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1076: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 7 - Molly’s Game

Oprah Winfrey recently gave a stirring and electric speech as she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2018 Golden Globes. It was a powerful message that echoed the growing movement for empowerment of women to achieve equal wages, equal rights and standing up to abusive men in the workplace. I highly recommend you see her inspiring speech. See: Oprah Golden Globes 2018

This inspired me to review some of the memorable movies I enjoyed and wrote about from 2017 that featured strong women leads. Click on any of these nine titles for my write-ups…

• Colossal 
• Hidden Figures 
• Maudie 
• Mary Shelley (TIFF 2017) 
• The Shape of Water 
• Their Finest 
• Three Billboards
• Unicorn Store (TIFF 2017) 
• Wonder Woman 

All these films featured highly empowering female role models with some that were based on true stories. I believe cinema can help shape our world into a better place brimming with mutual respect and equality so please check out these movies! And to round this list off into a Top 10 list is a new title I am thrilled to share as another cinematic tool for motivation!



Molly’s Game (2017)

The biographical drama film, Molly’s Game, is based on the memoir “Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker”. This highly entertaining film features amazing dialogue written by first time director Aaron Sorkin delivered by a fantastic cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Chris O'Dowd and more. See: movie trailer

There was so much to love about this movie! I was inspired by Molly’s perseverance, resilience and smarts in the face of her adversities as well as her strength in maintaining her integrity and values. I was riveted by Jessica Chastain’s performance as Molly and there were many standout scenes with Molly’s lawyer played by Idris Elba and with her father played by Kevin Costner.

There are also lots of tips for building a small business in areas like marketing, niching and customer service. Plus you get to peek into this underground poker world that included Hollywood celebrities, athletes, business tycoons, and the Russian mob. In the end this film was so rich with inspiration and motivation that I was eager to see again even as I was watching it! For me that’s a great sign of a movie I’ll be recommending as a creative tool to empower anyone going through depression, anxiety and difficult times.

Inspiring Themes:
• Following a Vision
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Strategic Thinking
• Resourcefulness
• Maintaining Ethics & Values
• Courage
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Family
• Supportive Relationships

Strong women characters in the movies can be a valuable resource to receive life lessons for dealing with challenging situations or people. Whether you are male or female these cinematic role models can help steer you through obstacles that you encounter in your life, relationships or workplace. Find a movie hero today to inspire your own inner strengths and success!

Related Tips:
Tip#1025: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 10 - Lion 
Tip#1039: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 5 - Maudie 
Tip#1024: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 6 - Women’s March – Made in Dagenham



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DEALING WITH
DEPRESSION OR WINTER BLUES?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1075: How To Keep Memories of Loved Ones Alive - Coco

I have an absolute passion for photography! Taking photos has been a huge love of mine since I was a kid and also became a major creative tool for managing my mental health and depression in recent years (see my Instagram). I shared this passion with my dad who loved taking photos of our family growing up. Since his passing 18 years ago he left a massive archive of photos that needed organizing.

On my recent annual holiday vacation at my mom’s home I finally had the courage, energy and focus to go through my dad’s photos. They had been stored in dusty boxes in very poor conditions of extreme hot and cold temperatures. So I felt like I was rescuing these photos! As I opened each box I would find precious prints that were yellowing and cracking from when my dad and mom lived in the Philippines. I was in awe seeing them for the first time when they were kids, teens and when they met in the Philippines in beautiful vintage clothing and settings!

For over many days of going through photo envelopes I had several emotional moments seeing my family at different stages growing up in Canada. I was flooded with happy memories of places, old friends, old schools, relatives, and even favourite toys that were long gone. That’s when I felt so grateful for my dad’s passion for taking, collecting and keeping these photos all these years. I realized the ultimate importance of how family photos keep our personal memories and loved ones alive for our selves and for future generations.

This is why I found it highly synchronistic and very mystical that the first movie I saw in the New Year was so much about the importance of family photos as a way to remember and share the legacies of loved ones. It was a movie my mom really wanted to see and when we did we cried over the heartwarming magic of its story.



Coco (2017)

The animated musical fantasy film, Coco, is about 12-year-old Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez) who dreams of being a musician challenging his family's ancestral ban on music and enters the mystical Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, legendary singer Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). This visually stunning, colorfully rich movie is another brilliant Pixar production overflowing with amazing settings, characters and emotional scenes to tug on your heartstrings! See: movie teaser 

This film is a wonderful exploration of the Mexican celebration, Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), on October 31st to November 2nd to remember ancestry through beautiful costumes and face paint. There are also so many inspirational and motivational themes in this epic film that it will require multiple viewings to absorb them all. This film has many life lessons and specifically teaches the importance of family legacies. And when the story focused on the use of family photos to remember loved ones that have passed it really touched my heart. It mirrored all the recent work I’d been doing in organizing my dad’s photo archives!

Inspiring Themes:
• Following a Vision
• Following a Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Courage
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Power of Belief
• Life after Death
• Family
• Supportive Relationships
• Love & Forgiveness
• Family Legacy & History
• Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
• Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive

My mom and I really felt the presence of my dad with us in the theatre where we saw Coco on New Years Day at the Regal Sunset Station Cinemas in Las Vegas. One of the film’s songs “Remember Me” brought us to tears by the end of the movie so get your tissues ready! This is the greatest movie I’ve ever seen about honoring family history and keeping the memory of loved ones alive. I highly recommend you see with your family on the big screen asap!

Photos of loved ones are an important way of keeping happy, loving memories of them alive. Their spirit lives on in these precious images whether they are digital or in print form. Take time today to organize your photos of your current family and family history for yourself and for future generations. Your loved ones in heaven will thank you and send you a loving kiss of gratitude!

Related Tips:
Tip#115: Gifts from Heaven - Field of Dreams - Frequency
Tip#116: Gifts from Heaven Part 2 - What Dreams May Come
Tip#436: Healing Movies For Grieving The Loss of a Loved One



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS
CHEERING UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2018

Tip#1074: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 5 - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

The Christmas vacation I'm on in sunny Las Vegas has been extra memorable because of several amazing random acts of kindness I experienced. I’ve either witnessed, had given or received these acts of kindness. What stood out were two amazing moments that sent huge waves of love and joy through me!

Pizza Slice at Costco

I was sitting with my mom enjoying delicious polish sausages at Costco. We shared a table with a couple that just got a large pizza. I asked if it tasted good because I'd never tried it. The man said yes and offered me a slice. I said no thank you but he said they had more than enough and insisted I take a slice. So I did and it was one of the best melt-in-your-mouth pizzas I've ever had! Plus I was so in awe and grateful for this man's unexpected kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit. Truly felt the love of the holiday season from a stranger here in Las Vegas. See post and join me on: My Instagram

Little Girl & Peppermint Candies

On Christmas Eve in Las Vegas, I was at midnight mass in my mom's church where she sings in the choir when I saw this cute little girl randomly go up to strangers giving them a little candy. One by one I'd see these people give a big smile and sometimes a hug for the little girl. She later walked up to me where I was sitting and gleefully looked me in the eye and gave me a Bob's Sweet Stripes Soft Peppermint Candy! Her random act of kindness touched my heart and I thanked her enthusiastically. She truly demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas and made my Christmas extra special! See post and join me on: My Instagram

As I wrote in tip#1067 on what Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies.”. I definitely felt a shot of serotonin and love throughout my whole being with these two uplifting experiences. I also happened to finally watch a film that won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF 2017 that surprised me with three wonderful examples for random acts of kindness!



Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The comedy, drama film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, is about a divorced mother, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), challenging local authorities to solve her daughter's murder through three bold billboard messages she purchases. This powerful, engaging and humorous film features many outstanding performances that include McDormand as well as Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage, Samara Weaving and more. See: Red band movie trailer (warning profanity)

So many of the performances were note perfect such as the absolutely riveting Frances McDormand. Her character Mildred demonstrated many strengths such as leadership, courage, confidence, passion, perseverance, resilience, strategic thinking and indestructible optimism. The tone of the film also had an amazing balance of humour and gritty drama as well as inspiring themes on redemption and personal transformation.

The three random acts of kindness were also surprising and moving when they occurred. It’s best that I don’t mention specifics so that you can enjoy these great moments. You’ll know it when you see them because you’ll feel that shot of the feel-good brain chemical serotonin! These are those inspiring moments of why cinema can be extremely uplifting and fill you with hope and positivity!

When you witness cinematic examples for acts of kindness as well as those that you experience in real-life they can inspire and lift your spirits up from whatever challenges you face. They can empower you to see a brighter future for yourself and for your loved ones and others close to you. Whether you are witnessing, giving or receiving, be part of a feel-good random act of kindness experience today!

Happy New Year to all my wonderful readers around the world!

Related Tips:
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film) 
Tip#1061: Be of Service to Others - Victoria & Abdul
Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness – Depression - Seven Pounds
Tip#934: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 2 – Dancing Barista – The Ellen DeGeneres Show – It Could Happen to You
Tip#1005: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 3 - Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
Tip#1067: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 4 – Top 10 Movies for Kindness
Tip#1074: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 5 - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri



DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS
CHEERING UP DURING THE HOLIDAYS?
• LISTEN: Emmanuel's CBC Radio Interview on Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays: The Fresh Air Show
• WATCH: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!
• READ: Emmanuel's Ebook, Movie Messages of Hope for the Holidays on sale now

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire, Motivate & Empower You!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017