Lessons learned from Movies – Page 2

Lessons learned from the movie Pan

Published on October 21, 2015 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

It is the very beginning of the story of Peter Pan. Because every legend has a beginning and this one is pretty special. It is a fun ride full of life lessons, great characters (I especially LOVE Levi who plays Peter–he did a great job–they all did), beautiful images, great story line, a great bad guy (Hugh Jackman–love him—make sure you see the below link about him and his beliefs. great), and a happy ending. You will have to see it for yourself. Enjoy. Here are some lessons/quotes from the movie.

TRUST. Trust is always a major theme in any Pan movie. Peter must learn to trust himself and believe in order to fly. I think we all need to gain some of this personal confidence in our own lives. If we do not know and understand ourselves, our capabilities, our gifts, our talents, our weaknesses, our strengths, our past…who will. We will walk aimless unless we begin to see and believe in the amazing person we are. There is only one of each of us in the whole world. Live it! Trust it!

TRUSTING OTHERS. This was also a theme throughout the movie. Peter had to learn how to begin to trust others, to trust they were on his side and had his back. We all go through this with friends and family. It is through struggles that we begin to know who are true friends are and who has our back.

WHO AM I. Peter: Who the bloody hell am I? Hook: You can go feel this way for yourself as long as you want, kid. But knowing where you’re from, that’s half of knowing who you are—that’s more than what most of us here will ever know! At least you know where you’ve come from. Born to a warrior, heir to a prince, does that mean you’re the One? I don’t know. I don’t know if there is a One. I do know that if you aren’t the guy, and you’re just you, maybe that’s enough. This is an age old question, Who am I. People have been seekers for lifetimes. I like this quote because it states, no matter who you are, where you come from, maybe that is enough. That is such a strong, bold statement. No matter what!! You are enough. We are each like Peter—born, heir to a prince from a place of heavenly origin. We can’t live small. We must know and believe that we are enough to do great things.

BELIEVE. Peter: What if I fail to fulfill the prophecy? Tiger Lily: What if you fail to try? If you don’t believe, Peter, then neither will they. It all begins and ends with each one of us. If we do not see power and beauty within ourself than who are we to ask someone else to see it.

HAPPY THOUGHTS. Think a happy thought. I thought this was an ironic line in the movie because just before Blackbeard was to kill someone, or try to kill someone (Peter), he would say, THink a happy thought. We have been told this time and time again throughout our lives…be positive, think happy thoughts…but in this movie this line was pushed just before death. In the movie this was the time of greatest fear. At one point ***movie spoiler***Peter was pushed to his death, but was able to break through the fear filled moment and think of a happy thought, to believe in something greater and he was then able to fly. If we were able to transcend above the fear with happy thoughts, just think where the world would be.

SAFE AND SECURE. There was a point in the movie where Peter, Tiger Lily and Hook all had to venture in a stick raft to safety. No matter what happened Peter found safety and security. I think our lives would be even better if we knew we were safe and sound, no matter what. If we had the faith and knowing that we were protected by angels and a knowing that God wanted only good for us. This is easier said than done. But, we can begin each day trying to trust in this knowing. It is a start.

A MOTHER’S LOVE & Promise: I will see you again, in this world or another. My dearest Peter. I long for the day I can come back for you and explain everything. You are extraordinary. More than you can imagine. I promise that you will see me again. If each mother could send her child a genuine gift of love & confidence, what a gift that would be. Peter had a tremendous confidence because he had hope of a loving mother. As mothers, we owe it to our children to give them a place of love, safety and a belief in them that cannot be replaced by the world.

This was a fun adventure for the family. It definitely has some dark parts for little children, but it is a whimsical story. It was a great movie and it also had some great music on the soundtrack by Lily Allen. The characters were wonderful, the sets beautiful and well done, amazing flying ships…A FUN ADVENTURE! Go see it and make your own review!!

I LOVE Hugh Jackman & he did his role very well. He is a great man on and off screen. I read a great article about him and his Christian beliefs and how the impact his work and the man he is. It is a great read. Here is the link to that article.http://www.faithit.com/hugh-jackmans-tough-guy-but-he-surrenders-to-a-much-more-powerful-man-steps-stage/

Do you strive to live in Grace or Nature

Published on August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

Yesterday I was down & decided to put in a movie, The Tree of Life. It was a movie full of imagery, music, thought, story…visually it stirred my soul, but the other aspect of the story line was the way we live our lives. Held within the story walls was an emotional war between the mother (who strived to live in a place of grace) and a father who was driven by human nature.

It made me wonder how to hold onto those directions we strive to live in our life. How do you hold on to the need for grace, for light, for love and not be distracted by the fears, ego, society…

So, I am going to google, “How to hold on to grace in our life” and see what comes up. I will leave you my findings to then sprinkle them into your own life. Peace to you.

So, I came across a definition by Dallas Willard that says,

“Grace is God acting in our life.”

To me this is EVERYTHING…every detail, every gift we hold, every breath we take, every laughter, every moment. Through all things God is acting in our life. Everywhere you look, the breeze, the colors, the sounds, the scents, the smiles, the majestic mountains, the crashing seas, the hands that hold one another, the babies born, the muscles that walk, the eyes that see, the hopes, the dreams, the challenge, the changes, the soul of life, it is bigger than anything and everything.

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We must have faith and a knowing that when challenges occur, there is a bigger plan surrounding us. We must look for the seed in which we can grow in this seemingly dark place. This makes me think of a dear friend of ours who is in her forties, is in the beginning stages of a late pregnancy, and just had a full blown stroke. I also think of my sister-in-law who has triplets and today is taking one of them in to find out if she has cerebral palsy at the sweet age of two. My heart weeps for them, my soul is stirred in aching pain, trying to understand the challenges they are facing. I can’t even imagine. BUT, it also makes me see how precious each day is, that life is too short, that we must strive to live, to love, to have faith in tomorrow.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Look all around you. Have you not been given much? Do your eyes see? Do your legs hold you high? Do you hear a whisper from your child? Do you see the sunlight shine down on you? Do you have hope? Do you have love in your heart? Have hope that you have all you need at this very moment. Have a knowing that He will provide for your every need.

Psalms 46:1

Always have faith that God can be your refuge & will give you strength in your time of need. I do find comfort in feeling that when I need Him, He is there. I feel that I am not alone in this world & that I am just a prayer away. I have been reading a sweet book called, “Where angels walk” by Joan Wester Anderson. It is a book full of beautiful stories of angels who have come to the aid of children who were about to be harmed, protected women in scary situations, carried a young boy home who had been bit by a rattlesnake…heaven is closer than we know. Nothing separates us but ourselves. I believe if we call on heavenly forces to help us, they will do all they can to be there.

“Nothing can separate us from the Love of God.” -Romans 8

Isn’t that a beautiful idea. NOTHING can come between us, so we must have faith that we can call on Him, call on angels, know that whatever we are going through, whatever we have to face, we are so close to heaven.

I thought this was funny…God has no phone, but I talk to Him. He has no Facebook, but He is still my friend. He does not have Twitter, but I still follow Him. Nothing can separate us from Him, except us. He longs to be near, He longs to hear your prayers. He is there and nothing can separate us from that love.

Ask and ye shall receive

According to Lifecoach Cheryl Richardson, “I’ve learned now, in working in partnership [with God] and dancing with grace, that when I need direction, I will ask for it.” Cheryl says she uses this mantra: “Give me direction. Let me see the doors that are open, make sure that I see them and open those doors.Answers are around you all the time, but the question is, how present are you to them? “The more present you become to your life, the more you begin to see that there are signs all around you,” Cheryl says.

Take note when you begin to judge or shut down what someone’s saying to you and try to stay open-minded, Cheryl says. “What if everyone that comes into our life is a spiritual change agent in some way? The more open you can be, the more you allow your life to change and the more you see the influence of grace,” she says. “A closed mind is the barrier to living a grace-filled life.”When you see signs of grace in your life, you’re entering into “the dance,” Cheryl says. The dance of grace represents your psychological growth: You realize there are coincidences that occur in your life and recognize that it is part of this divine intelligence working in your life. “As you begin to see those signs, you realize, ‘Wow, I am co-creating [my life] with some kind of spiritual intelligence here.'”

Cheryl says it’s also important to listen, pay attention and take action. “When you get the messages, you need to act on them,” she says.

Well, that is all for today. I hope these scriptures and thoughts will give you something to think about. I think just looking for the many ways God is Acting in Your Life each day and finding gratitude in those things will open the doors to grace in your life, which will then mirror into the lives of those around you. Peace to you today. -H

Lessons learned from the movie All About Steve!

Published on June 26, 2015June 26, 2015 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

This movie I know will have a variety of reviews—many will think it is a waste of time or not find the humor in it. Others may enjoy it, but for some reason I LOVE Sandra Bullock in this movie. I was endeared by her optimistic, quirky character and here is why…

Mary Horowitz: crossword puzzle creator, loves words, wears red boots with everything, she is an eternal optimist despite what others say, she is smart, pretty and just wants to be normal—she thinks! She speaks 17 different languages, knows an unending number of random facts, talks to her pet hamster “Carol” and is such a joy to be around that her parents let her live with them, while her apt is being “fumigated” (for years).

Here are some great quotes and lessons learned from this cute movie…

Mary LOVE’S Crosswords, so there are some good quotes to take to heart

In life as in crosswords, some days are harder than others, and that’s what keeps your brain alive. To keep surviving those tough days is to pick yourself up, and stay focused on your life’s purpose. For me, that’s imparting the joy of crosswording to all mankind. Ahhh.. crosswording the most spectacular fun a person can have without passing out. -Mary I think all of us have those moments where we need some sort of distraction to pull us through a tough spot in our life. I think each of us has our own way of dealing with things, whether it is losing yourself in a golf game, reading the paper, doing a crossword, swimming laps…some days may be harder & having a good outlet to let go is a good thing.

We really should try and make it work, because, so he decides for me to be normal, then normal we shall be.
– Mary Mary wanted so desperately to feel normal, to be accepted, to be on the path to what everyone expects, so she decided if Steve wanted her to be normal, than that was what she was going to strive for. I think too often we can get caught in the trap of what everyone else expects us to be, to do, to dress like, to…we get lost for a bit, until we are able to define who it is we truly want to be.

Yes crosswords are a lot like life in that way, they’re only boring if you don’t have sense of adventure. – Mary Life does need a bit of adventure, even little things. The other night I went on a hike with my husband & came across a large log across a stream. It wasn’t very high & the water wasn’t too deep, but I wanted a little sense of adventure, so I looked at my husband and said, “I am going to cross it!” I knew if I fell in, it would be a little swim, but I wanted that little sense of adventure, so I went for it. We need that every now and then.

Mary is not a psycho, you’re the psycho. She’s just a smart girl with red boots. – Angus Often we are judged by the clothes we wear, the way we talk, the things we say. But I hope over time we can realize that what others say doesn’t matter unless we make it matter. I have had many discussions with my young daughter about people calling her things like, “Fat”, “Little Miss Perfect”, “Brainiac”…I have always looked at her and said, “Do you think you are fat or perfect or…” I always explain that others may say all sorts of things they think, but its what you think about yourself that truly matters the most.

Mary: You know one of my favorite ingredients in crossword is, perseverance. If you quit a puzzle you can’t finish it.
Sure every once in a while you’ll run into a doozy that you can’t ever solve in a million years but if you stick with it,
you’ll figure it out… eventually. Worst thing you can do is leave it unfinished. It’s never the solution is it?
Howard: You know what my favorite part of our crossword is? When you realized you know something you didn’t think you knew.

She doesn’t pretend to be someone that she’s not. -Steve (about Mary) This was a hilarious part in the movie. The one time Mary steps out of her natural character this is what happens. (shorter skirt, bra showing, wild catastrophe) I think this is a great lesson for all of us. We should always be striving to be ourselves, no pretending, no illusions of self, just straight up who we are. No regrets.

Words, people, words. There are meaningful words, there are pointless words, and then, there are words that hurt.
Mary why can’t you be like every other girl, why do you know all that useless information…why do you wear those stupid, red boots all the time – Mary We have all experienced all of these types of words and people. What have you learned?

I wear these red boots because it feels like ten friends on a camping trip! -Mary Mary tried to take her own happiness everywhere she went. What do you do to try and make your life a little brighter?

He was my ticket to normal -Mary Why do you want to be normal? -deaf girl I thought this was a great example of times in our life where we hold a certain expectation of something & then reality brings us back to truly understanding what it is we really need in our life.

If life is like a crossword puzzle, then its worth, its greatness should be judge in the same way.
Is it solvable? Is it entertaining? Does it sparkle?- Mary I just loved her positive way of being.

Mary, Don’t ever change for anybody. -Steve Redemption! Finally. Mary gets the lesson & so does Steve.

New York Times crosswords editor Will Shorts says, “we have a natural compulsion to fill empty spaces.” I like to think he means not just crosswords, but the empty spaces inside of us that come from making your way in a world that doesn’t always embrace unique. I tried to fill my empty spaces with words, and puzzles, and steve. But that wasn’t the answer. Now I know. On the journey of life just find someone as normal as you, if not a whole bunch. -Mary I love that analogy of finding oneself. We often FILL our voids, our spaces with many things (good and bad) in hopes that we will FEEL something. The world and all that is in it will not make us a better version of ourself, that is up to us.

Oh, and here’s a little bit of fresh Mary Horowitz wisdom,if you love someone set him free, if you have to stalk him he probably wasn’t yours in the first place. – Mary Just a cute, funny, silly show with heart.

On the journey of life find someone as normal as you. -Mary

It is a sweet show with heart. I hope all these fun images made you want to watch. smile. smile. FYI–There is a little scene in the van where she jumps Steve & it gets a little hot. There are also a couple of swear words, but other than that—I truly enjoyed the journey. Enjoy and make your own judgement!

Lessons learned from Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

Published on May 22, 2015September 1, 2015 by goforthegood11 Comment

What do you see?

“What do you see when you look at me? Do you see a sparkle?” -Molly “What kind?” -Mutant “Like something reflective of something bigger trying to get out!” -Molly “That finger thing you do”. -Mutant “That’s a cork, not a sparkle.” -Molly

Molly Mahoney believed she was a musical genius when she was younger, but as she grew up she was not so sure. Molly needed an opportunity to prove to herself that she was something more than she believed. She was always trying to write a song, but could never quite get the right notes. She struggled with who she was & what her life direction was suppose to be. “I’m stuck as a person…everyone talked about my potential and everyone is still talking about my potential.” -Molly “Why don’t you stunn everyone with Molly Mahoney’s first!” -Mr. Magorium

I think this is a great lesson for all of us to be aware of. We often get stuck in our own heads, our own set-backs, our own limitations. Sometimes we need to see and understand we have a sparkle like no one else. We may get stuck, but we are only one step, one decision from moving forward. We need to remember, we were made to do amazing things!

Sometimes you just have to believe…even if it is just a block of wood. “There are a million things one might do with a block of wood. But what do you think might happen if someone, just once, believed in it?” -Mr. M “With faith, love, this block and a counting mutant, you may find yourself somewhere you never imagined.” -Mr. M

Believe anything is possible. I love Eric’s character. He constantly believes anything is possible. I love the scene where Eric is trying to jump and reach his hat that is hanging high above him. He believes he just needed to jump a little higher to reach his hat that was about 7 ft up. I also love that Eric believes he can go in and buy the Emporium with his own money. If we could only have that kind of belief—like a child.

Step out of your comfort zone: “You have to give people a chance. People are full of surprises…start by saying Hi.” -Eric’s mom I think this is a great lesson for all of us. We often get stuck in our comfort zones, but sometimes we need to step out, say Hi to strangers, smile at someone over the gas counter, hold a door open, meet a new friend, but it all starts with one tiny step.

There is always a need for balance: “We all have our things—ways we show we care, some people bring flowers, send cards or give hugs, but I fill out people’s paperwork.” -Mutant The mutant accountant character is in desperate need of a balancing act & Eric (the little boy) is exactly what he needs. Eric helps the accountant step out of himself & his work mode & begin to enjoy the people around him. I think the accountant begins to feel needed by Molly & Eric, which gives him a sense of giving, helping, balance.

Live life to the ultimate end: “We must face tomorrow whatever it may hold with determination, joy and bravery.” -Mr. Magorium “I fell so completely in love with these shoes, I bought enough pairs to last my whole lifetime. This is my last pair.” -Mr. M I love this metaphor that he found something he loved so much & bought enough to last him his whole life. Life is like that. We find things we LOVE and would miss desperately. Think about this for a moment. What would you miss most from your life? What have you fallen deeply in love with…the smell of rain, walks along the beach, a favorite chocolate bar, the smell of lavender, laughter, music…now purposely put more of these things into your day. Live life to the ultimate end!!

“Why are you doing this?” -Mr. M “I wanted you to see all the little things you will miss.” -Molly There are sooo many things we would miss in this life. If you begin to get grateful for them each day, then you will see more and more little things that will stay with you in your heart. A grateful heart is a place of wonder each and every day.

Live in the Moment: “Thirty-seven seconds. Great, well done. Now we wait. No, we breathe, we pulse, we regenerate. Our hearts beat, our minds create, our souls ingest. Thirty-seven seconds well used is a lifetime.”

Having something to love that you are passionate about is always a good thing. I think collections are inspiring. I think everyone has things they love, things that remind them of special memories, amazing places, things that light them up. We need little things like this in our life to remind us of all the many grand occasions life offers us.

Sometimes a close, unique group of friends is all you need. Sometimes we find people that may seem like a unique fit for our life, but they may be the very jewel we needed to find.

Be an original YOU. Don’t worry so much about what others think. This is an ongoing life lesson for all of us. If we can get over caring about what anyone else thinks—wow, what a world we would have. “No matter what they tell you, you don’t have to stay in the lines.” -Molly

Sometimes you just have to allow and let go. “Don’t go!! I’m not ready.” -Molly “I only ask you that you turn the page, continue reading and let the next story begin.” -Mr. M “I Love you.” -Molly “I love you too. Your life is an occasion. Rise to it!” -Mr. M I LOVE this last line. It is one of my favorites from the whole movie. Every single one of us has an amazing life if we CHOOSE to live it. Rise to it!!

Do what makes you happy. I think one of the biggest goals in this life is finding what makes your heart swell. When we are able to follow our hearts & step into joy…mission accomplished. Following your heart is a quest, a journey…make it a good one.

Life is an occasion—rise to it!! The store is black, the magic gone. “It just needs a little magic.” -Eric “I don’t have any!” -Molly “You are a block of wood. It’s you!! You don’t have to believe in the block of wood, it’s not the store, it’s not me, what you need to believe in is you!! Holy cow! A sparkle. “-Mutant Molly begins to believe in herself, the store comes back to life. The magic begins again.

-Cheers to inspiring, great movies that hold gems of good things. -H

Lessons learned from the movie Cinderella

Published on March 23, 2015March 23, 2015 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

We were happy to finally be able to go and see the movie, Cinderella. It was a beautiful portrayal of the classic fairytale and I highly recommend it. Here are some lessons I took away from this splendid movie. Enjoy.

Ella’s mother shares some beautiful wisdom with her daughter. Here is the wisdom bestowed upon beautiful Ella…

Have Courage and Be Kind. Ella has a sweet moment with her beloved mother where her mother shares this beautiful wisdom and tells her that it is a secret that will see her through all the trials that life can offer. Throughout the movie you see Cinderella struggle at times, to then hold herself high with the courage to go on. It is a motto we can all use when moments get us down, struggles weigh heavy upon our day, we can remember to have courage in all we do and find kindness in any situation.

Where there is kindness, there is goodness. You see this throughout the movie. Ella is always being kind and talking to the animals, the house help, her step-mother and step-sisters. She has a good heart and it shows in all she does. I think we can all see this in our daily life, where we find kindness or when we are kind…goodness follows. If we are trying to do kind things within our lives, we will also find goodness within our lives.

Save the Stag! [spoiler alert] This was one of my favorite scenes. There is a charming moment between the Prince and Ella when she confronts him in the forest. Ella had just rode up onto a stag in the woods & was taken by his greatness. She hears men on horseback nearby & tells the stag to run. Ella then comes between the stag and the Prince. “You’ve nearly frightened the life out of him.” “Who?” asks the Prince. “The Stag,” replies Ella. “But we were hunting, you see. It’s what’s done.”said the Prince. “Just because it’s whats done, doesn’t mean its what should be done.” responds Ella. It was a great scene and I found myself knowing that if I were in the same situation, I would have done and said the exact same thing. JUST BECAUSE ITS WHAT’S DONE, DOESN’T MEAN IT’s WHAT SHOULD BE DONE!

Have a little faith. “Even miracles take a little time.” -The Fairy Godmother Ella’s mother always taught her to believe in magic and fairy godmothers, but at one point in the movie Ella has lost her faith in trying so hard to believe in the things her mother always taught her. At that moment a little magic showed up and a fairy godmother was there to help Ella have a little faith in knowing things would be better. I think this is a great lesson for all of us—have faith no matter what the situation, the life outcome, if you are in debt, if you need courage, if you have lost hope, if we can remember to have a little faith, believe in something greater—great things will show up.

And where there is goodness, there is magic. I believe we all deserve a little magic. We are all made of the very stuff magic creates. We shine, we sparkle, we love, we are given magic every day.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me. “Names have power like magic spells” In this movie Ella is called many terrible names by her step-sisters and step-mother—Cinderwench, Dirty-Ella, Cinder-Ella…through all the unkindness Ella has to learn to see the value within herself and not fall victim to their cruelty. She has to be who she is and find the beauty she holds within and allow it to be free. You see her confidence when she spouts french words to her step-sisters and step-mother. You see her break free at the ball. You see her happy, singing, despite her circumstances. I think this too is a great lesson, we are only victims, if we allow ourselves to be. Anyone can triumph over negative situations, if they allow themselves to break the bonds of another’s unkindness.

The gown. [spoiler alert] I loved the sentiment of the gown she wears to the ball. It started as a tattered, pink gown that was her mother’s, but the sweetness of it was that when her Fairy Godmother was going to give her a new dress, Ella asked that she create it from the dress she was wearing because it was her beloved mothers. Her Fairy Godmother changed the color, added some magic, but kept the lines and style much the same. Voila!! Beautiful ball gown with a touch of sweet sentiment.

They are all looking at you. The ball scene is the epitome of the most beautiful bell at the ball finally flying free from the chains that bound her. Her spirit soars and you see her shine like a princess. She is confident, beautiful and wearing glass slippers was icing on the cake of this exquisite scene. Beautiful.

There is a little magic in the mystery. The dance, the lost shoe, everyone wondering who the prince is dancing with, the prince chasing after the nameless beauty, time ticking away, the spell about to be broken. Anticipation and a little mystery in life can be a good thing.

Envy is a bad little green pill to swallow. Throughout the movie you see the wicked Step-Mother envious of Ella and determined to make her life less pleasant. You really see the envy shine through when the glass slipper is found. We all have moments of envy, jealous of another’s good fortune, but if we can remember that envy is like a bad little pill that brings more misery, just maybe we can walk away from the little green monster, focus on what we are grateful for and move beyond those emotions. Cinderella does a beautiful job of moving beyond, focusing on her wonderful memories of the ball, the Prince and puts herself in a better place—beyond the spite and envy of another.

Don’t try to be someone that you are not. We all know the story that girls from all over the kingdom are determined to prove that the glass slipper is theirs, but in the end, it only fits the girl who is truly fit for it. I think sometimes we can try to become something we are not—maybe take a job that doesn’t feel like a good fit, marry someone that doesn’t fit all our personal needs, have friends that don’t fit well with our lifestyle or future desires…everyone has moments where they try to fit into circumstances that are not right for their best life—be aware, don’t pretend, be true to what you need, what is the best fit for your best life.

Follow your heart. In the end the King wanted his son happy. He wanted him to follow his heart because the King knew that when one follows the heart–the best situation will happen—true happiness will follow. I think if we could all remember to do this in our own life—happiness will surely follow.

Be true to You. Despite Cinderella’s circumstances, when the Prince’s men come calling to the home, Cinderella looks at her ratty dress in the mirror, holds her head high & walks proudly to meet the gentlemen. She does not care that she is like a servant girl, she is who she is & knows that she is equally as good as any other Princess out there. She introduces herself as “Cinderella.” You see the power that does not belittle her any longer. Even though she was teased by this name, it was who she was & she stood there proudly stating who she was.–There was a great quote (I cannot find it anywhere) when Cinderella looks at herself in the mirror. If anyone finds it–I would love to have it. Thanks.

Well, I thought it was a beautiful portrayal of a wonderful Disney classic. It had some great lessons and was visually breathtaking. If you see it, I hope you enjoy every moment. -Peace to you. H

Lessons learned from the movie Dolphin Tale 2

Published on September 22, 2014September 22, 2014 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

My little family just went to see Dolphin Tale 2 last night & we were happy to see another sweet, true story. The thing we like about these movies is the real video footage you get to enjoy to truly understand and see the real story come to life. It is also a great, heart-warming family movie & you just want to swim with dolphins after seeing it! Who doesn’t love dolphins!

Here is the movie trailer incase you have not seen it

Here are some lessons learned from this sweet film:

“I don’t want to look back on this knowing we didn’t even try”

At this point in the movie Sawyer is fighting to pair the two dolphins because he knows what the outcome will be if they don’t even try.

This could be a slogan for life. There are definitely times where you have to ask yourself—am I going to look back and have regrets that I didn’t push through, I didn’t even try… Are you at a point where you are wondering should I take this path, or should I take that one?? Are you wondering if your talent is worth pursuing? Are you questioning what direction you are headed? We all have moments where we wonder if we should start a new business, go to a certain school, pursue a dream, take a spontaneous trip, etc. Don’t look back and wonder what could have been, go forward in your pursuit of anything great!

“It’s a big world. You have to shake it up now and then to get it moving forward.”

At this point in the movie Dr. Cameron (Morgan Freeman) is trying to help Sawyer understand that sometimes you need to step out of the box to find solutions to problems.

This is so true in any situation. Sometimes you need to step away from a project, a relationship, a hard situation & see it from a different angle, a new perspective, so you can have a new way of seeing it.

“Now, all we can do is Hope.” “That’s her name.” “Hello, Hope”

Hazel gave the new baby dolphin a very fitting name, Hope. This dolphin was also a gift & hope for Winter the dolphin.

HOPE is a beautiful word. Last night my daughter was stressing about 6th grade homework & the stress was building through the night. I laid in bed with her to say prayers & she started counting all the things she needed to do…mini poster, spelling, read 100 pages… I brushed her face with my fingers & told her to calm down & that everything would be okay. I told her to envision a lush, green field full of wild flowers & had her envision walking barefoot through the grass. I explained how she began to hear water nearby & came to a beautiful ocean outlet that had two channels. I had her see it in her mind. In one, I had her envision the beautiful dolphin Hope that we had just seen in the movie. I had her see it twirling and jumping in the water up one channel of the ocean. I asked her—Would you rather go and swim with HOPE or take the channel of HOPELESSNESS? I had her see herself jump in the water & able to swim with this sweet dolphin. Each of the waves began to take her worries away. It was a beautiful image. So, what will you choose, HOPE or HOPELESS? It truly is your choice.

Amazing People doing AMAZING things

In the movie you get to see Bethany Hamilton swim with Winter in the movie. It is always humbling and inspiring to see her attitude & what she has done with her life despite her struggles.

You also get to see real footage of the amazing marine facility in Florida that is changing not only the lives of wounded Sea Animals, but constantly bringing hope to veterans, children without limbs…it was beautiful to see the work this great place does. It truly is a place of HOPE.

Here is a link to the actual facility in Florida http://www.seewinter.com

Well, I hope this post makes you want to take your family to see a movie that truly inspires good things.

Lessons learned from the movie Finding Joe

Published on September 4, 2014September 10, 2014 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

I asked my daughter this morning, “why do you think we are here in this world?” and you know what she said, “To have the adventure of life!” That was very insightful especially after watching the movie, Finding Joe, which is a movie about the teachings of Joseph Campbell and the journey of life. The following are things I took away from the movie. It was a sprinkling of wisdom, inspired people, things to think about and good takeaways. The thoughts are sometimes direct quotes from the movie (but not all are stated who said them) Enjoy.

A CALL TO ADVENTURE—a divine call to action for your life. This may come in the depths of sorrow, a hard life situation, the very things we may need to catapult us in a better direction for our life, a better version of ourselves.

“I think that people tend to wake up the hero of their own life when they are tired of being the victim of their own life.” -Robert Walter, President of the Joseph Campbell Foundation

The hero of your own life means you are responsible for your own adventure. You have a choice to surrender to victimhood, you can give your responsibility to someone else & have them tell you what to do or you can understand you have a choice and are responsible.

Joseph Campbell always talked about a metaphorical death of some kind. The old lends itself to the new. “The snake who cannot shed its skin must parish.” -niche It is an indication that change has taken place. When we continue to let go of the old and let the new emerge, that is change…growth.

The Chinese letters for the word CRISIS are actually both DANGER and OPPORTUNITY.

The lessons often come from the hardest things in our lives. It is not necessarily what happens to us, as what we do with the outcome of the situation. Do we fall victim, or rise above it.

The Hero’s Journey—a life metaphor. This is the story in every story we tell, fairy tale we hear, journey that inspires…the hero’s journey.

Every story begins with a separation of some kind, an initiation and a return home. The movie Star Wars was a prime example of the Hero’s Journey throughout the story.

In many stories the forest often represent the unknowns, the edges within our lives. The moments where courage is needed. Joseph Campbell often talked of the story of the knights of the round table. They were in search of the Holy Grail, but it was decided that the best way to find it would be to have each knight start at a different location to begin their journey. The one caveat was to find a spot on the edge of the forest where there was no trail because if their was a trail it was sure not to be the knights true path. If there was a path, they would be following someone else’s path, not their own.

You must go out on your own to find your own TRUTH.

FOLLOW YOUR BLISS and the universe will open doors for you, where there were only walls. -Joseph Campbell

Robert Walter describes “Bliss” as “the one thing you can’t not do. Your Authentic Journey.”

It is trusting that deep impulse within us, to follow that specific path, the bliss, the one thing that makes us feel most alive.

Deepak Chopra says, “Follow your bliss does not mean get addicted to pleasure.”

It doesn’t mean selfishness. Don’t follow what other people think is your bliss. So how do you find your bliss?

Ask yourself—what do you enjoy doing, what are you passionate about, what can you do where hours seem to slip away while you are enjoying what you are doing??? What set you apart as a child? You know within. Ask yourself this…If money and time were no limitations, what would you do?? How would you express yourself??What would you do to benefit the world? What lights you up?? use words, use images, use music, art, find things around you that will help you identify what ignites your energy.

Talk to yourself in a journal and begin to see your dreams, hopes, what you feel good about, your lessons you have learned…begin to see yourself.

Rebecca Armstrong talked about how Joseph Campbell would give this advice to his students: “Don’t do what Daddy says because he only has one interest in mind for you—your security! If you bargain away your life for security now, you will never find your bliss.”

If you still feel like you don’t know what you are looking for—at least know this—you are looking and that you are on your way to bliss. Go looking—try things you have always wanted to try, do things that you are drawn to. Ask yourself why you haven’t tried something. Take different paths to work, shake up your routines. Put yourself out there. STRETCH yourself. Do something scary or uncomfortable.

Why do most people NOT FOLLOW their bliss? FEAR

“What will they think of me must be put aside for bliss.” -Joseph Campbell

Our first greatest demons we have to face are those critics right in front of us (ourselves and our friends and family). They all mean well, but you know what excites you. You ultimately are the one who holds yourself back from following your bliss because you begin to believe the others around you or you are afraid of what they think. If you can do that—you can achieve the impossible.

“I want to sing like birds sing, not worrying who listens or what they think.” -Rumi

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” -Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell speaks of slaying a dragon in the hero’s journey. He describes the Dragon as the beast covered in scales that say ‘thou shalt’ and ‘thou shalt not’ The beast is a construction of all the rules, regulations, social obligations that have made you feel that you have to or have been made to do certain things. This is the moment where you take everything you’ve learned and use it to beat the dragon.

Robin Sharma said, “What is the one thing that keeps people small, that keeps them from their mountain tops?? their fears or as Joseph Campbell would say..their dragons.” Fears that are not faced begin to toxify, to creep to make you scared.

LOVE is what we are born with FEAR is what we learn.

Fear isn’t going anywhere, you just have to create the courage to move past the fears. Tony Hawk shared his experience creating the first loop ramp and facing the fear of actually doing it.

Courage takes practice. You just have to keep facing a fear and moving one step past it and it becomes easier. Do the things that scare you, whether it’s a tough conversation, leaving a job you don’t enjoy…the courage comes after. It’s okay to be scared, it’s a healthy warning, but that shouldn’t stop you from facing your fears.

Often the fears and dragons are the projections of ourselves–we create them, we create something that we have to defeat and it is often just something within ourselves. We can all be heroes if we are willing to look at ourselves more closely and understand and see the good and the bad and become better.

You begin to see the parts of yourself you struggle with on the inside. To fully see and understand the inner dragons, you must surrender. Some would say, loving your dragon is the more efficient way and feels better. There’s always a gift in battling inner demons and overcoming them because that is what a soul’s journey is about, facing fears and growing beyond it. As we overcome our fears we gain power. The best most rewarding moments often come after a struggle.

Struggles are like a minus symbol—it’s half of the plus symbol. + On one lovel it’s negative—sure the divorce was hard, the illness a challenge, you lost your job…we are not saying that wasn’t troublesome. Look at what awareness you can add to it that gives you a far bigger picture to master it.

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” -Joseph Campbell

At a certain point in the heroes journey it’s going to come about you loving and accepting yourself as you are. That’s a powerful moment that aligns you directly with the universe. The real goal in the heroes journey is not to only slay the dragons but to bring back the essence of the journey you experienced to others. To share your story and allow others to learn from it.

The choice you make to not give up is a story you are telling yourself. Did you show up for this life? Did you have the courage you needed? What did you learn about YOU?

I truly hope you learned some key things from JOE (Joseph Campbell) & I will leave you with a few other key thoughts that he has shared with the world. Peace and love to you in all you do. -Heather

Lessons learned from the movie Seabiscuit

Published on July 7, 2014 by goforthegood11 Comment

You know, everybody thinks we found this broken-down horse and fixed him, but we didn’t. He fixed us. Every one of us. And I guess in a way we kinda fixed each other too. -Red Pollard

This movie has many moments where you see the characters learn and grow from one another, but it is their genuine care and love that truly shines through.

You know, you don’t throw a whole life away just ’cause he’s banged up a little. -Tom Smith

I love this line because it is so true about different people that come into our lives. You don’t give up on those who have personal problems, who may be a bit of an energy drain to be around, it just means they need a little bit more of your strength, your hope, your lessons learned, your direction, your beliefs in what you see in them. It may be hard sometimes to continue giving, but patience and love will bring those opportunities back around & you just need to be willing to give a little more.

Charles Howard: You could be crippled for the rest of your life.

Red Pollard: I *was* crippled for the rest of my life. I got better. He made me better. Hell, you made me better.

This is the epitome of what people need: someone who genuinely cares, someone who sees the good in them, someone who will bring out the best in another.

Though he be but little, he is fierce. -Red Pollard

We all have moments where we feel small and insecure, it is in those moments where we can hide in the shadows or we can stand a little taller, be fierce and not forgotten.

Well, I just think this horse has a lot of heart. He may have been down, but he wasn’t out. He may have lost a few, but he didn’t let it get to him. I think I learned a lick or two from this little guy. Oh, and by the way, he doesn’t know he’s little. He thinks he’s the biggest horse out there. -Charles Howard

Heart is the key ingredient to true living. When you find that part of you that is real, that is true to who you believe you are—nothing can stop you. You will find your inner fire within and let it loose with the passions that reside within your heart. You will follow and you will be free.

A interesting and sweet story about Red Pollard: While Red was recuperating from his injuries, Pollard fell in love with his nurse (who was engaged to another) Agnes Conlon. Red wrote her poems and they were married the following year and had two children, Norah and John. They lived together for over forty years.

A interesting fact about Seabiscuit: There was a spider monkey found at a race track & they took it with them and let it stay in the stall with Seabiscuit, it’s name was Jojo. Seabisuit also had another horse named Pumpkin, and two dogs. Most race horses would have a companion or two to keep them company.

Charles Howard. Red Pollard & Tom Smith

On a personal note: Horses often mirror the energy of the leader within their life. I wonder if that was part of the cause to both Red and Seabiscuit being injured and then having to heal together. I read somewhere that this really did happen. That is a beautiful part of this movie–seeing their strong relationship & the love they shared.

I hope you learned something about this beautiful movie. If you haven’t seen it, I would strongly suggest it.

I am dedicating this post to my husband–he loves this movie. Cheers to you love.

Have a beautiful day.

Lessons learned from the movie Maleficent

Published on June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

Over the weekend I saw the movie Maleficent and wanted to share some thoughts on this movie. There may be a few spoilers, but I will do my best to not ruin the movie for you.

When I originally saw the trailer I thought it looked dark, a large presence of evil and my eleven-year-old daughter said, “it looks scary. I don’t want to see it.” I was not sure I wanted to see it, but I then heard it was a sweet tale, so my curiosity was peaked and we went to see it. I would describe it as a beautiful tale of true love and forgiveness, with a definite dark splash of heartache and anger, but understandably so. You see a very dark depiction of Maleficent, and you understand why, but there is a storyline that draws you in and you begin to fall in love with her character, from beginning to end.

What I took away from the movie:

Everything is better when you heart is full of LOVE not HATE.

Selfishness brings about a darker side in anyone and that will begin to consume all things.

Looks can be deceiving. It is what is on the inside that matters most.

Evil resides in a heart full of hatred and anger. Be careful what you focus on, for in the world, it is easy to be consumed by such things.

Be aware of the energy you carry. Your power can be used for good or bad.

Trust is a gift. Be careful who you give it to. Give it to those your heart allows in & even in those moments go a little deeper.

You cannot hide true beauty. True Beauty comes from within.

Friendship is a gift. A close friend is always a good thing. They can help you see beyond yourself.

True LOVE’s kiss isn’t always what you think it will be.

A change of heart is freedom in and of itself.

Forgiveness & True Love are the biggest take aways from this movie.

Peace and Love to you. -Heather

Lessons learned from Finding Joy

Published on September 18, 2013 by goforthegood1Leave a comment

I have been sick with a sinus infection for the past week, so I have had plenty of time to watch a few movies.

Today, I am going to post about a sweet movie called “Finding Joy.” It has some quirky, but lovable characters that for some reason or another I can relate with.

The storyline: A self-absorbed writer, stuck in more ways than one, rediscovers himself, his offbeat family, and what it means to be happy when he meets Joy, a spirited young woman who asks him to write her obituary. -IMBD Even though it did not have high review ratings–I am of the opinion you watch a movie and make your own judgement. There is always something to take away!!

I enjoyed the ride of up, down, dysfunction, lost characters, who in the end all help heal one another in more ways than one.

Lessons I learned:

If you are drawn to anything…move toward it: Like this movie, life has funny ways of bringing about serendipity. I was drawn to the title of this movie & I enjoyed the outcome. In the movie Kyle sees Joy & is drawn to her for some reason. He comes up with some crazy way to meet her, but in the end…serendipity!! Follow your heart. You can almost always find something good in so many things life has to offer. Just look between the stories & you will find the lessons, the sweets, the moments that you will always keep tucked away in your heart.

Always have a plan B in life: Poor Kyle had a published book, was working on a up and coming deadline, but didnt have a plan to cover anything, so he ended up losing his apt, car…and moving back home.

Everyone has dysfunction in the family–its how you handle it that matters: We all have crazy in-laws, odd brothers, dramatic sisters, kids that make us borderline nuts, but we live the stories with them, we hold their hands, we talk them off the ledge, we love them no matter what—that is one great thing about family. In the movie Kyle’s brother has a embarrassing problem that he is keeping from his wife. Kyle & his daughter find out & have to walk him through the reality of what is really going on & how to handle the situation. Unconditional love is the key in any situation.

Romantic Rendezvous are always a good time: This movie had some very funny “Romantic Rendezvous” (dates) between Kyle & Joy. I loved the silly surprises Joy would come up with that in the end helped Kyle open up, see things differently & enjoy his time with Joy.

Great Life Perspective: In the movie Joy asks Kyle “What would you do if you knew you were going to die?? Wouldnt it just shock you out of your comfort zone and just make you feel so alive?” Kyle replies, “I’m just trying to get through the living part right now.” This to me is so key for all of us. We go through the hum drum of normalcy, the daily grind, the regular schedules that run our lives. I think so many of us are “trying to get through living.” Ask yourself—what would you do differently if you knew there was a good chance you could die next week. [You never know. Someone will] Would you do some of the things you have saved up for “some day isle?” Would you begin to take more time with your family? Would you be a little kinder with yourself? With others?

What truly INSPIRES you? In the movie Kyle is truly moved by Joy & wants more of her zest for life. She literally sends him into a frenzy of writing, he is so inspired by her that he cant stop. Is there anything in your life that moves you to take action? Do you have an idea that is waiting for you to help it bloom? Is there a forgotten talent that is yearning for you to break it free? What seems to light you up? What can you do at this moment to find a tiny piece of inspiration and follow it.

Break out of your ordinary: In the movie Joy helps Kyle try and break out of his comfort zone by having him wear a clown costume to deliver goods to needy people. Is there something you can do to step out of your ordinary…routine, wardrobe, seriousness, to do lists, schedules, etc. Halloween is a great time to do this!! October is a great time to take a little test drive & be someone else for an evening, a date night. I was just out with my daughter the other day on a Mommy/Missy afternoon. We hit a local thrift shop looking for some Halloween costume ideas. All the employees were dressed in kitty outfits & having fun with it. When we went to the register the young man checking us out wasn’t dressed up. I said, “Why aren’t you dressed up.” He smiled, “because they want me to.” I grinned, “What a great opportunity to be so many different characters. You could be a different person each day.” He replied, “I just got my fill of dressing up at the local Comic Con.” I laughed, “Well, then you have costumes you enjoy to wear. That’s perfect.” He smiled and politely agreed. Look for possible occasions to break out of your ordinary. Go out and try a new hair color, drive home a different way from work, look for a shop you have always wanted to go in and do it…there are so many small ways to break out of your ordinary. AND this Halloween don’t be lame—even though you are all grown up, have some fun, find that crazy persona of someone you would have fun being for an evening. Have fun with it!! Life is too short.

When you tell someone your sorry make it great!! I wont give you the details, but in the movie he does a pretty great job!!

Make your mark on the world: In the movie Joy wants to make her mark on the world so she makes Kyle break into a construction site with her & puts a little piece of herself in the concrete. I think in every single person there is a part of us that wants to make some mark—even a small, tiny mark on the world in some way. You see it all the time in public bathrooms—“Jane was here.” ha ha. Maybe you want to write that novel you have been dreaming up, maybe you want to be the best mother, maybe you want to produce a movie, maybe you want to create something…an organization, a charity, a business, an idea. You have dreams within you that are waiting patiently. Begin today to make some small step toward your different ideas. I believe if you are doing ANYTHING that you feel may touch even one soul in a good way—that is moving you toward making even one small difference in the world.

The gift of a Living Funeral: In the movie Kyle decides he is going to create a living funeral for Joy, so she will want to live. I thought this was a cute idea to tell those who are living how much you love and appreciate them in your life. It doesn’t have to be on any grand scale, just take the time & make it a grand occasion! Make sure you whole heartedly put your genuine feelings into a card you read them, a letter you write them, an evening designed as a gift from you to those people you love.

It was a great movie I would recommend. I didn’t give you all the details because I didn’t want to spoil the movie (I hope I didn’t), but its a cute, quirky ride of fun-loving characters that you fall in love with.

One last line that I loved…He tells Joy “You are the most terrifying happiness I have known and I don’t want it to end.”

Sweet.

Here is the trailer for the movie