Dealing With Negative Family Members

[Serenity]

Well for years it has been really hard for me to be around certain family members because of there constant negativity. I am not perfect but I speak good things as well . My mother has always focused on the negative she is set in her ways. Any advice on how to handle this I love her and can not avoid her because of who she is. I would say well just deal with it but it has caused me to have anxiety attacks..

[Brian Greendahl]

I've had to work hard at learning to love people where they are at in this life and not where I want them to be. Even if they are miserable, unhappy etc. I Just try to lead by example and allow others to be who they are and do what they do. If they are negative, I know that it is a reflection of them and not me. I've learned that it's not something I should take personal. Some people are just stuck in their ways and will probably die that way. I'm one who tries to walk a spiritual path in life so I often pray for the willingness to let others be who they are. It tends to take the power out of it.  

[Serenity]

I understand I do. Breaks my heart to know that she will die that way but I do pray for her to see the happy side of things. I agree she is who she is I still love her and always will I just feel like she is missing out on what life is really about. Me and my twin lead by example but you are right that is all we can do for her. Thank you Brian I needed to hear to not take it personal how she is sometimes I forget that . 

Edited March 27, 2016 by Serenity

[Phocus]

@Serenity Suffering stems from lack of acceptance (in yourself and other).  Hopefully this helps:

 

 

 

[Cuzzo]

My father is/was such a toxic personality that I had no choice but to cut him out of my life. I'd rather not go into the details, but my growth as a person would have been incredibly limited if I didnt cut him off...