When my own parents failed to give me what I sought from them - ie, validation, encouragement, positive reinforcement and unconditional love, I learned to seek these things on my own....

When our parents fail us, like your mother has, you eventually learn that attempting to gain from them what they cannot give you is like trying to get blood from a rock, so you stop trying.

And then, you give to yourself, what is missing from that relationship.

What I am saying is... validate yourself. Be proud for YOU, and don't try to seek this from your mom who cannot give it to you. Don't let her failure ruin your experience of joy! Be excited about your life all on your own, and share it with those people who CAN be excited for you, who can nurture and provide what you seek. You will not get it from your mom, but don't let that burst your bubble.

As we grow older and mature in life, we learn to rely less and less on our parents and that parent-child relationship dynamic changes. From your current standpoint, you still want validation and approval from your mom. Don't look at it this way anymore.. you don't need her validation or approval as an adult. So don't go looking for it. Provide it for yourself and find others who can support you in your journey and life endeavors.

Just sharing my own wisdom as a 52-year old female that has gone through something similar with my father.