Love that Rocky Road!

The biggest thing that I am noticing from coaching brides to be is that they all share a vision of planning their wedding while nothing else is going on in their life. They picture a stretch of six to twelve months where they can devote their time idyllically creating their special day and, naturally become resentful when that is clearly not their reality.

All the clichés, 'life happens', 'life goes on'-even 'shit happens' (sorry mum) are so true. There is no period of time where there is just nothing is going down , even if it isn't directly happening to you it will be within your immediate circle of family and friends.

The challenge lies in dealing with it. The problems, the obstacles, the devastating news of terminal illness, death in the family, break ups, divorce, birth of triplets to steal your thunder, job loss, infidelity, feuding families, friends emigrating, the events of life in all their glory will arrive on your doorstep and cause you to struggle in retaining the joy and enthusiasm for preparing and planning for your wedding.

If you take that as a given, be prepared to accept what comes your way, embrace it as part of life's rich tapestry and know that deep within and around you have all the resources you need to deal with it-you will not be defeated. In fact, you'll emerge stronger, wiser, more confident and even more equipped to deal with the world. By the time your wedding day arrives, you will have grown and developed and you can take what you have learned into married life.

In the end, having it easy's not all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, internal struggle, emotional upheaval and triumphing in the face of adversity, reap the greatest rewards. It all depends on your attitude and your perception of things-the princess can be a warrior too you know!