Leila Mulla: Playing the part of an optimist

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Optimists like Leila Mulla explain that optimism is actually a learned skill and there are a variety of ways to acquire it. Various life experiences have taught optimists skills that enable them to better cope with daily stressors and hassles. For example, an optimist suffering from the blues will recognize it as a passing cloud. Optimists who are dissatisfied in their work or relationships believe that better times lie ahead. They can acknowledge when a situation stinks without concluding that the universe is permanently conspiring against them. Thus, it comes as no surprise that people who look at life in a positive manner are less likely to be depressed or anxious.

But what if a person is not a “born optimist?”

Psychologists explain that by acting like an optimist such as Leila Mulla, even cynics can enhance their sense of optimism. Here are some tips:

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Setting goals
There are no big or small goals for optimists. What is crucial is the internal motivation. Optimists tend to pick a goal they can personally invest in.

Being persistent
It is the persistence—not the cheeriness—that paves an optimist’s path to a better life. Optimists believe they will eventually succeed, so they keep pursuing their goals.

Tackling problems head-on
Optimists and pessimists cope differently when adversity strikes. The optimist goes into active problem-solving mode, while the pessimist avoids, ignores, or disengages from challenges.

Psychologists say it takes just about four to six weeks to really change a habit. Thus, positive thoughts and behavior will eventually catch up with the cynic.

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Leila Mulla: Women and the happiness gene

For optimists, like Leila Mulla, happiness is a matter of choice. But a recent study reveals that there may be more to just wanting to be happy.

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A University of South Florida research shows that women may be more inclined to be happy than men because it is in their genes. It reveals that a low-expression form of the gene monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)—the “happiness gene” as Dr. Henian Chen, lead researcher of the study, calls it—seems to give women good feelings, but it doesn’t have the same effect in men. MAOA controls the activity of an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and other feel-good brain chemicals.

If there is one thing certain in Leila Mulla’s life, it would be the fact that she loves filling her life with positive thoughts and vibes.

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The low-expression version MAOA leads to higher levels of monoamine, which, in turn, allows larger amounts of these neurotransmitters to stay in the brain and boost mood. The researchers found that women with even just one copy of the low-activity type of MAOA were much happier than women with no copies. Meanwhile, men who carried a copy of the “happy” version of the MAOA gene reported no more happiness than those without it. Dr. Chen and his co-authors suggest that the presence of testosterone may cancel out the positive effect of MAOA on happiness in men.

Perhaps not all may subscribe to what Dr. Chen and his team revealed. After all, there have been numerous attempts to define happiness and identify its sources. But whatever school of thought one may adhere to, for Leila Mulla and her fellow positivists, happiness is for everybody’s enjoyment.

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Leila Mulla: Neil Armstrong, a reluctant hero and an inspiration to all

This Leila Mulla blog pays tribute to Neil Armstrong, whose “small step” has inspired the world to dream.
 

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Humble—this is one word that can describe Neil Armstrong, whose death last August 25, 2012 has caused people from all over the world to grieve. An inspiration to many, the first man to walk on the moon had never let his “superstar” reputation get inside his head. Instead, he modestly reiterated that he was just doing his job.

In this sense, it can be said that while his lunar footstep has paved the way to many technological advancements, the real legacy Armstrong left in this world can be found within his heart. The humility he exuded taught everyone that there could be nothing more fulfilling than reaching for one’s dreams.

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Optimists like Leila Mulla regard Armstrong as an inspiration because, ultimately, he allowed people to dream. Through example, he showed the world that the stars are not that far—if only people would be brave enough to reach out and grab them. According to his family, the reluctant hero inspired his generation and the next ones to “push the limits and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.”

With this, it will be remembered in history that Neil Armstrong’s legacy lives within humanity—to all the people who have hopes and dreams and are not scared to take that crucial first, small step.

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Leila Mulla: Dr. Peale and the ‘Power of Positive Thinking’

Optimist Leila Mulla ponders on Dr. Norman Peale’s advice on embracing positivity. Dr. Peale, the progenitor of the theory of positive thinking, championed optimism more than 50 years ago with the release of his book, “The Power of Positive Thinking.”

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Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking may have written the book more than 50 years ago, but his advice on letting optimism into your life is ageless. For the esteemed minister and father of the theory of positive thinking, optimism means to believe in yourself. The secret, Dr. Peale wrote, is to "fill your mind with thoughts of faith, confidence, and security. This will force out or expel all thoughts of doubt, all lack of confidence." For positivist Leila Mulla, Dr. Peale gave the best advice: “Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.”

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Below are timeless gems of wisdom from Dr. Peale:

1. Do not be awestruck by other people and try to copy them. Nobody can be you as efficiently as you can. Remember also that most people, despite their confident appearance and demeanor, are often as scared as you are and as doubtful of themselves.

2. Gain self-knowledge. Learn the origin of your inferiority and self-doubts, which often begin in childhood.

3. Make a true estimate of your own ability -- then raise it 10%. Do not become egotistical, but develop a wholesome self-respect. Believe in your own powers.

4. Formulate and stamp indelibly on you mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. And hold this picture tenaciously.

5. Whenever a negative thought concerning your personal powers come into mind, deliberately voice a positive thought to cancel it out.

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For positivity advocate Leila Mulla, Dr. Peale’s take on optimism is simple. It starts with you.

More positive thoughts from Leila Mulla are available in her Facebook page..

Bouncing back: Leila Mulla and how to live life after sickness

A second shot at happiness—this is how people who survived life-threatening illnesses should look at their lives. According to optimists like Leila Mulla, survivors should recognize that life after sickness is a huge blessing and should, therefore, be enjoyed as such.

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79-year-old Erik Schaeffer is a melanoma cancer survivor. This coming May 5th, he plans to participate in a Swim Across America (SAA) event, the Tampa Bay Open Water Swim, which aspires to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center, an institution conducting research on metastatic melanoma cure. Schaeffer decided to join the event so that he can help the patients who are suffering from the disheartening illness.

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Just like Schaeffer, critical illness survivors should learn to look for more opportunities not only to grow but also to give back to the community. Leila Mulla and other positivity advocates believe that doing so can help them move on from the nightmare they have experienced, making them look towards a brighter future. Optimists also advise survivors to remember that they are never alone. There are always people who are prepared to lend a hand. Just like in standing up after a fall, survivors need only look for the people whose hands are extended, ready to help them get back to their feet. Lastly, they should recognize the fact that life after sickness will never be the same as the one they had before, but they can always strive to make it better.

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Leila Mulla: Developing a positive attitude about aging

What is there to look forward to in the process of aging? This Leila Mulla blog will explain how optimism can help you age gracefully.

In a society that honors beauty and youth, many people find themselves dreading that time when all that they can see in the mirror are reflections of the times that passed. The reflections—with gray hairs, wrinkles, and exhausted eyes—just seem to look back at them with uncertainty over the future. But for optimists, this should not be the case. People should see these reflections not as sad beings but people who can still learn and develop—people who can still live lives.

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Old age does not necessarily make an old spirit. People can still be young even with their aged physiques. If they have the proper mindset, such as the one advocated by optimist Leila Mulla, they can still find entertaining things that can bring fulfillment. Through committing to lifelong learning and giving in to curiosity, people can look for new ways to grow their knowledge. Examples of these include learning how to play chess or trying to write stories.

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Like fine wine, people also get better as they age. Having accumulated years of existence helps aged people possess the proper maturity to look positively on the things that surround them. Through a healthy and idealist mind, they can reject the stereotypes about aging and feebleness—thinking of themselves as smart, capable, and dignified members of the society.

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Leila Mulla: How to optimize life

To optimize life is to act as an optimist, look at the bright side of things, and heed the words of the wise like Leila Mulla.

From Leila Mulla

In today’s competitive world, people tend to set huge goals and personal missions, but more often than not, these goals are not met, causing disappointment and even depression. To avoid this, it is imperative for people to be realistic in their goal-setting and to focus on the things that matter most.

From Leila Mulla

Below are some points to consider in optimizing life:

• Material things are irrelevant to achieve satisfaction. It’s natural for money and other material things to lure people into happiness, but this feeling is just temporary. Genuine joy comes from within.

• Confronting fears is a bold move. Reaching outside the comfort zone opens other possibilities in life. Leila Mulla understands that it can be nerve-racking to be onstage or to drive a car for the first time, but the only way to overcome the fear is to face the fear. Once people surpass certain issues in their lives, they come out stronger and more fulfilled.

• Waiting for what may come is not a good idea. To think that there’s no time to do things hinders success. There are obstacles in wanting to do something, but making the commitment to do so is a totally different story. The only way to climb the ladder of success is to take action and make time for it.

From Leila Mulla

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