Through wedding planning from August 2025 to the big wedding weekend in April 2026, there’s a lot I’ve learned. One of the biggest lessons has been patience—whether with myself, my now husband, or the timing of the planning process. Patience doesn’t always come easily, but when I take a step back, I feel calm and notice how much my stress decreases.
Taking Time for Self-Care:
I’ve become more intentional about stepping away from the hustle and bustle of wedding planning and the demands of everyday adult life. I now dedicate time each day—or at least a few times a week—to activities that help me feel calm and balanced.
I’ve explored different forms of yoga depending on my mood, read books on topics that fascinate me, and picked up relaxing hobbies like diamond painting. I’ve also enjoyed learning new things through virtual courses, especially in areas like archaeology. And of course, I’ll never turn down a good show or movie binge night.
These small moments of rest and joy have made a big difference in how I feel overall.
The Importance of Eating Healthy:
Over the past several months, I’ve also realized how important it is to nourish my body with proper food. I started meal planning each week and creating grocery lists to stay organized and intentional. I’ve focused on eating more vegetables, fruits, and protein while cutting back on processed foods. And while I still enjoy the occasional “cheat meal,” I’ve learned that balance is key. Too much unhealthy food can affect not only physical health but also mental well-being, making it harder to stay grounded
and energized.
Lessons Learned:
For a long time, I didn’t follow any of these practices. I rarely took breaks from planning or from the fast pace of life, and eventually, I burned myself out. I noticed the signs: constant fatigue, poor nutrition, and a shift in my mental health. Everything started to feel overwhelming and stressful because I wasn’t giving myself the time to pause, breathe, and reset.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned what it truly means to stay balanced during a busy season. It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. It’s okay to take a break—whether that’s 20–30 minutes to do something you enjoy or simply stepping away to clear your mind.
I also began a course led by motivational speaker and traumatic shark-attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, called Unstoppable Life All Access Pass, and taking the time to engage with the videos, question sets, and lesson modules helped me realize just how much I was missing by not prioritizing balance in my life.
Takeaways:
If you’re in a busy or overwhelming season, know this: you are not alone. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to pause. Give yourself permission to take a brain break, breathe, reset, and be fully present in the moment.