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“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly:” one of the most inspirational stories ever told
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," first published as a memoir and later adapted into a film, surely ranks among the most inspirational stories ever told. The film centers around Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French journalist who suffers a stroke and falls into a coma.
When he wakes up, Bauby realizes he has been struck with "locked-in" syndrome, an extremely rare disease. Bauby is completely paralyzed, but still retains his mental awareness. Limited to only minor head movement, life is agonizing for Bauby, as he has nearly no physical functions, but can still perceive everything going on around him. Doctors are also forced to sew up his right eye to stop it from becoming infected.
Before his stroke, Bauby was set to publish a book. After coming to accept his condition, he decides that he will still do this. Bauby cannot speak, but develops a form of communication with his speech therapist through blinking his left eye. Bauby dictates the book letter by letter, with his therapist reading out each letter and Bauby choosing one by blinking.
While Bauby is afflicted with a stroke when he is only 42 years old, the film and novel can serve as an inspirational story for senior health as well. Elderly citizens are more commonly afflicted with strokes and other debilitating conditions, so the film serves to show what can still be accomplished after this happens.
Both the film and novel are some of the best inspirational stories about commitment. Bauby becomes afflicted with a condition that many people could not possibly imagine. Yet he goes on to complete his memoir and achieve something most people would have thought to be impossible.
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8 Mile speaks of using music against pain
For those who find themselves constantly battling with depression, it may be wise to find a method of spiritual healing that can effectively fill the mind with positive thoughts. This is in essence the principle of Brain Wave Vibration, which leverages the power of music – and other mood-boosting elements – to ward away negative thoughts.
Music is a force that can save people from themselves. Nowhere is this better expressed than in the 2002 film 8 Mile, which details a rap star's rise to fame from the slums in Detroit, Michigan, as he battles external and internal forces to achieve success.
Lead actor Eminem stresses that the movie isn't strictly autobiographical, although many consider it to at least be influenced by many aspects of the artist's life. It begins with the tale of Jimmy Smith (Eminem) as he works at a factory job and tries to gain acceptance among his peers.
The film was received well, both critically and commercially, with critics generally praising Eminem's performance as an actor. Roger Ebert awarded it three out of four stars and said that he wouldn't mind seeing a sequel that showed Smith's rise to fame.
