Battling this cancer, my mother is (understandbly) anxious, scared and very emotional. My constant reminders to her of 'staying positive' and 'living life for right now,' just go unheeded and solicit groans. I don't intend to come off as lecturing, but I choose to remain positive with my own actions and statements. My wish is that she would heed this influence, but I see it does not happen and I want to remain on her side (not against her).

How can I respectfully and effectly communicate my positivism to my mother and better yet, transfer that to her?

I have heard about gratitude journals from people, but my mother would not be interested. I would like to create something for her that effectively communicates the same thing, but that she would not have to maintain herself (don't think she would). Of course, my goal is to bring her joy and happiness.

She lives at her home, but generally does not display gifts of home decor from others (she will throw it out or store it away).

Does anyone have any success stories about methods / crafts / things to bring about joy in this way to their depressed loved ones?