Only for myself so far :)

Your mother's negativity is all about her, not about you. Let her own it. Don't take on what is not yours. Sending you comforting hugs.

((((((((((((Barbara)))))))))))))))
I know it is hard, but in order to save your sanity, you have to step back. I have a mom exactly like yours and in order to stop the insanity and make her behave, I had to see her less and take charge of letting her suffer the consequences. I know it won't be easy.....but all so necessary.

There are tons of things you can do to help bombard yourself with positive messages and things to lift your self esteem.
I listen to positive music......take walks......talk out loud to myself (everyone already knows I'm nuts...lol) with positive affirmations and gratitude. It has taken action on my part to make changes. I started examining my life and ya know what?.....all the messages ppl had given me over the years were WRONG!!!! I am a good person.....loving, kind, loyal, helpful.....and a whole other host of wonderful qualities bursting with tons of talent.
I have built myself up from the dept of despair and anxiety to having a better quality of life.
It took work and I have to tell you that I really didn't have the energy or feel like making the changes becuz I felt that low. However, I forced myself a little a few times a week.....then a few times a day.....then every other day.....to daily (baby steps).
Once I started feeling better and I got out of the victim role......I never wanted to go back.
I still battle from time to time negative feelings.....but I quickly work on retrieving those better feelings.
I listen to Youtube clips on Law of Attraction (Abraham Hicks and Bob Proctor).
I am very interested in improving myself and I LOVE feeling better. I had to let go of religion....it was very depressing and oppressing. I still believe there is something greater than us....but it is NOT the god depicted in the bible. This is my own belief and I am in no way trying to convert anyone.....this is what works for me. However, it wouldn't hurt to explore your options.

Meditation, yoga, and other outlets help calm your mind and are good ways of helping your health.
Taking care of yourself should be top priority and once you have mastered that, the rest should come easier.

Barbara!!!! You are a good person. Treat yourself like a best friend, becuz ya know.....you really are your own best friend :)
Work on changing those old messages others have given you. They are not true and therefore....throw them out.
What would you want for your best friend? Well being? Love? Kindness? Hope? Prosperity? Abundance?
I'm guessing yes to all of those questions. Now find a way to deliver those things to your friend (yourself).
I wish you the best and more positive life ahead :)

Great answers from Marion and Ms B!

I've been doing a lot of online shopping for family and friends.

I have been shopping for my grandchildren and it has been a lot of fun. :)

I went online last night and bought my first gift. It is for my granddaughter.

First things first...lol....I went shopping for my birthday present. I needed a new winter coat (I'm a practical kinda gal :P )

I just purchased a coat for myself too, Ms B. Gotta stay warm while out Christmas shopping. : )

I got two coats....but one has to go back as it doesn't fit right...didn't have a chance to try it on before purchasing as I had my mom with me (she's in a wheelchair).
It's been a bit warmer here in Chi Town the past few days....so all is well in my world.

Instead of shopping and fighting crowds.....I do baking instead :)
The only buying I do is for my grand daughter who just turned 5.....and I won't see her until after New Years, so everything will be on sale :)

We had a negative situation yesterday with our daughter, unresolved things from the past, which I thought she and I were good. Now I have to talk with her and try to come to terms with it, again. It ruined one day, and that's enough. I enjoy Christmas shopping for our family and making things. Yes, am busy shopping.

I responded to your post on another site about the negativity you are going through. I hope it helps you. I so understand how horrible living or being around negativity can be. I lived with it for 5 years and it wears on you. Writing it all down and letting it out will help you to stay in a better place. I use to have to get away from it and bought myself a punching bag! Big Hugs GB