The Balanced Bride

So many posts on wedding blogs (like this one at www.weddingbee.com ) deal with stress, anxiety, and just plain sorrow regarding what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of a person's life.  Should the day that weds you to your life-partner and soul-mate be the cause of so much pain and suffering?  Doesn't this seem "wrong"? 

But again and again we see the Bridal Burnout Syndrome in evidence in the weeks and days leading up to the big event.  What causes otherwise normal and sane folks to lose it during this time?    One explanation is the idea of perfectionism magnified beyond control that a wedding unleashes.  Many people try to "one up" each other in having the best and most memorable wedding.  Maybe the focus should return to having the most heartfelt and personal day?  

The brides and grooms who seem to fare the best in avoiding Bridal Burnout Syndrome, are the ones who keep the reason for the wedding at the forefront of their planning.  Simply posting a letter of love to each other on the front of the refrigerator that you see each day might be enough to head off the tantrum that might erupt later over who forgot to pick up the wedding invitations.  Having regular date nights leading up to the big day is another great way to stay connected and focused.  We're talking Balance here with a capital "B".    Here are some other ideas to try before the big day:

Couples massage:  Relaxing together is a great way to keep your eye on the purpose of the wedding.  To start your life together in joy and health.

A yoga party with close friends and family:   What better way to unwind than by stretching with breath and awareness?  Let yourself really release into final resting pose at the end.

Couples acupuncture session:  Acupuncture helps energy flow freely through the body promoting health and harmony. 

Life Coaching:  Set goals together to minimize stress and prepare for the joy of not only the wedding but for the life ahead.

Dream Interpretation party:   Let yourself dream big and then use dream interpretation help you learn more about yourself and your future. 

There are endless resources out there for helping engaged couples navigate the path towards their wedding day.  Take advantage of all offers of help and most importantly, stay focused on the meaning behind the big day.  We'd certainly be honored to support you from "Ahhh" to "I do" ... and beyond.

With warmest wishes for your happiness,

Terri, Brenda, Sarah, and Jan

Declare your independence from stress and worry!  Tips for learning how to cope with any kind of stress but especially Wedding Stress!

It is so crucial for you to take time out for yourself while planning a wedding.

I well remember the stress and anxiety that comes along with planning a wedding. The endless lists, money worries, unreasonable expectations, and personality struggles that come along with it.

Here's my first tip for you:

Take 5 minutes to go to a place where you can be left alone and quiet. It doesn't matter if it is indoors or out as long as no one will bother you during this time. Let's call it your "recharge time". It is crucial that you take some time each day to recharge and relax. Even 5 minutes a day can make a difference, 10 is better, and 30 is the best.

Here's what I want you to do with this first 5 minutes. Breathe. That's it. Sounds crazy doesn't it? But when you breathe in and out through your nose slowly and deliberately, things begin to change inside of you. Your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure drops, and your mind clears. Now here are your breathing directions:

Breathe in slowly say quietly to yourself, "I breathe in happiness" and then slowly exhale and say quietly to yourself, "I breathe out release". Repeat this for at least 5 full breaths.  That's it. Don't believe it works? Give it a try and then check back in with me here to tell me how you felt afterwards. What have you got to lose?

Wishing you only joy and harmony for your big day and beyond.

The Balanced Bride 2009 Sweepstakes
 
One lucky winner in the greater Portland, Oregon area  will receive a free The Balanced Bride gift certificate for their choice of
ONE of the following:

One hour of  Yoga
One hour of  Massage
One hour of  Qigong
One hour of  Acupuncture
One hour of  Life-Coaching

AND Additionally

Another lucky winner anywhere in the USA will receive:

One hour of Dream Interpretation by phone and email.  Valid within the USA.

Details to win:

In order to enter this contest you must do one of two things.  

1.  Link this page to your blog or website telling us why you want to win this prize and then use the Mr. Linky widget below to tell us that you have done so.    Just tell us why you need the gift certificate to make your life or event better.  You don't need to be getting married to win this prize.

We are so excited to bring this wonderful service to brides and grooms of the Portland, Oregon area.  We are women who understand the stresses of planning and preparing for your wedding.  Our goal is to help you move forward while keeping the focus on strengthening and developing yourself and the relationship for well beyond "The Day". 

We will be offering a very exciting giveaway of a One Hour Gift Certificate for The Balanced Bride.  Stay tuned to this space to learn how you can enter to win this awesome prize.

Wishing you peace and joy in this moment,

The BBB's  (Balanced Bride Bloggettes)