Spiritual Movie Review - Shawshank Redemption

Spiritual Movie Review - Shawshank Redemption
Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying
by Bob Kish of wealthvibes.com


This classic from 1994 is based on a Stephen King short story. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Actor, and Screenplay. It stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a man falsely convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover and sent to Shawshank prison to serve two life sentences beginning in 1947. There he confronts the harsh realities of prison life. At the same time he bonds with several of the inmates most notably Red (Morgan Freeman).

The mood alternates from despair and hopelessness as the years pass by for Andy Dufresne. You begin to realize that he just may spend the rest of his years behind bars. As this realization begins to sink in for both the viewer and Andy he develops a number of lifelong friendships.

In what form does redemption eventually come to Andy? You'll need to see Shawshank Redemption to discover and appreciate it's power.

What is spiritual about this movie? It is a testament to the individuals ability to perservere in the face of overwhelming physical, emotional and mental persecution. Andy Dufresne not only maintained a system of coping with the hardships of prison but adapted to the system and made it work for him. He also maintained and used a network of close friendships to help make it through. Do you have a system to adapt to change? How about a system of friends to fall back on for support?

Memorable Quotes

Warden Samuel Norton: I believe in two things: discipline and the Bible. Here you'll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord; your a** belongs to me. Welcome to Shawshank.

Red: These walls are kind of funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, gets so you depend on them. That's institutionalized. They send you here for life, that's exactly what they take. The part that counts, anyways.

Andy Dufresne: Get busy living, or get busy dying.

Motivational Article - How to Put an End to Depression - by Phil de Fontenay at www.50spiritualmovies.com

Motivational Article - How to Put an End to Depression - by Phil de Fontenay at www.50spiritualmovies.com

How to Put an End to Depression
by Phil de Fontenay



Depression can have many, many faces. If you are not aware of your feelings and emotions on a daily basis then it can creep up on you and cause misery in your life when you least expect it.

We get sad when we fail in our exams, when we're rejected by the person we love, or when someone very close to us passes away. Depression, however, could be more fatal than just plain sadness. It could cause life-long consequences that could ruin your self-esteem, your health, and your well-being.

Here are some excellent tips for conquering depression and to help you get the most enjoyment out of your daily activities.

1. Be Certain of Your Future Goals

If you have no goals then the future will seem uncertain. This will create anxiety and just add to the problem. Having goals gives you something to look forward to in life. They drive us on and create a desire for life. Keep your focus on your goals.

2. Keep a Journal.

Every day, write down your deepest feelings. Say what you want to say. Get it out of your head and onto paper. Don't hold back. This is a very therapeutic way to pull yourself back up. Keep writing down whatever comes into your mind and very soon you will feel your mood start to improve. Done properly, this method can create dramatic changes in emotion.

3. Get Enough Light and Sunshine.

Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition.

Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself from staying in bed.

This is the reason why many people are suffering from depression much more often in winter than in the other seasons. It's because the nights are longer.

If you can't go outdoors to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.

4. Keep Busy. Get Inspired About Something.

It's a fact that people are happiest when they are producing something. Do some activity that you have always wanted to do. Live a life full of inspired activities.

What is it that you really love to do? What are you passionate about?. Taking a nice walk in the park, playing sports, reading books, or listening to some soothing music.

5. Make Some Time For Yourself.

I mean it.

Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage you. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have fun.

6. Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly.

Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a brief moment of energy; but they would later bring about anxiety , tension, and internal problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people drink alcohol to "forget their problems." It never works. The ONLY way to handle problems is to confront them. Describe your problems in your journal fully. If you really face them the right solution might appear.

Exercising regularly is a vital depression buster.

7. Increase Your Social Life.

Your friends are there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in worthwhile activities with your friends could give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing feels better than having group support.

Get intimate. Establish close ties with your family and friends. The love you get from others is very satisfying. In times of depression having stable influences around you is comforting.

Really take control of your own life. Follow these tips. Come up with your own solutions. You really CAN do it!





Phil de Fontenay has been counselling people in all aspects of life for over 15 years. He has helped many people take back control of their lives. He firmly believes that ANYONE can get better.

Find out more about depression at www.BuildaBetterYou.com/depression

Motivational Article - Stay Debt Free this Xmas - Top 10 Tips - by Linda Anderson at www.50spiritualmovies.com

Motivational Article - Stay Debt Free this Xmas - Top 10 Tips - by Linda Anderson at www.50spiritualmovies.com

Stay Debt Free this Xmas - Top 10 Tips
by Linda Anderson



Xmas can be a financially stressful time for many people and that takes the fun out of the festive season. The funny thing about Xmas is it occurs every year and at the same time every year! So with a little bit of planning you can take the stress out and stay debt free.

Here are my Top 10 tips to get you on you way:

Tip1. PLAN

Write a list of the friends and family members you wish to give a present to. Next decide on your total budget for Xmas presents. Next to each name add a maximum dollar value for the gift and ensure the total does not exceed you budget! If you have ideas for gifts start listing them now – it will help your shopping trips be more focused.

Tip 2. STICK TO THE PLAN

When you do your gift shopping stick to the plan – avoid impulse buying. That stereo might be a great “bargain” but if it is over your budget you need to keep walking.

I am sure you have great taste in gifts – do you ever buy a gift for someone and buy it for yourself as well? You will get plenty of gifts for Xmas – no need to buy for yourself as well.

Tip 3. START NOW

Rather than waiting until 2 weeks before Xmas and spending all your money in a short period of time start buying now. It is much easier to afford one gift each payday than 10 all at once. Find a good hiding place in your cupboard!

Tip 4. USE LAY-BY

Credit Cards are easy and convenient but if you struggle with debt over Xmas leave them at home! Interest rates on unpaid monthly balances are an unnecessary cost. If you have started shopping early you can pay a small amount each payday off your lay-by without going into debt. Keep you spending manageable.

Tip 5. HAVE A SAVING PLAN

Have a separate bank account for Xmas savings. Many banks have accounts that earn “bonus” interest if you make a deposit and no withdrawals in a month. Many of these accounts have no bank fees. You can arrange for set amounts to be automatically transferred to that account each payday. If you don’t see it you can’t spend it! If you are comfortable banking online there are also good “virtual” accounts with Credit Unions that pay around 5%pa and allow you to transfer money out of account with no penalty.

Tip 6. THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

It really is the thought that counts so think outside the square. People love gifts that have a personal touch to them.

make Xmas chocolates, cookies, jam etc to give to friends
give a gift voucher for 10 hours of babysitting
make a donation to charity in their name
give a voucher for 5 lawn mowing afternoons (to be provided by you)
Tip 7. INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY

Discuss your plan to stay debt free with your family and discuss ways that the whole family can be involved. There are no rules – find something that works for your family and keeps Xmas fun. One popular idea is to not buy gifts for all the adults in the family – just the kids. The adults each select a name and buy a gift for that adult on behalf of the whole family. Xmas is about love and sharing not about how many presents you receive. You will probably find other family members feel relieved to be able to reduce their Xmas spending too.

Tip 8. ANOTHER COFFEE?

Start becoming aware of what you spend on “little extras” each week – coffee is my favourite place to start. Buying just 1 coffee a day can cost you $10 - $15 per week … buying lunch each day at work can cost you at least $25 per week. I think you get the point. If you are serious about keeping out of debt this xmas start taking your lunch to work or having instant coffee …. put the money you save into your xmas account. You will love how quickly this adds up!

Tip 9. LEAVE THE PLASTIC AT HOME

That’s right – leave the Credit Card at home! If it is not in your wallet you cannot charge Xmas shopping to it. It is so easy to accumulate debt without even being aware of it – once you do it snowballs into something much greater than you can handle and becomes a weight to begin the New Year. Use cash or you debit card – you can’t spend money you don’t have.

Tip 10. BE COMMITTED

You have a choice. If you are 100% committed to being debt free for Xmas then you will make it happen. It takes focus, desire and discipline not to take the easy, convenient and expensive way out of Xmas shopping. ‘Those who want to succeed will surely find a way, and those who don’t will find an excuse’ “a thousand paths to tranquility” David Baird





Linda Anderson is a Certified Professional Coach working with Small Business Owners and Professionals in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Linda helps her clients succeed in business and in life by creating strategies to overcome their obstacles to success. In 2002 Linda and her partner sold all their belongings, hit “pause” on their respective careers, and spent 365 days traveling the world. Linda brings this passion for challenge, new experiences and adventure to her coaching. You can visit Linda at her website – www.a2acoaching.com