If you're working towards a better fitness level for your energy, health and the way you'll look in your wedding dress, it's important to celebrate what you have accomplished so far, instead of getting down on yourself for not being at the weight or tone level you planned for this point. If you've only lost 4 pounds instead of the 10 you wanted to lose by now, that's cause for a celebration! You're 4 pounds down! Stop judging yourself by the numbers on the scale and look in the mirror. You can see that weight loss in your face. Your arms look more toned. You're not dragging by 3pm. You feel better. Acknowledging your accomplishments this way will better motivate you to keep at it, and it's just a lot more fun to cheer for yourself than to berate yourself for not meeting (unrealistic) fitness goals during a time of stress.

This Planning in Peace tip is all about being your own best supporter, being proud of yourself for how well you're doing. Give yourself a reward...of the non-chocolate variety. How about a new shade of nail polish? Or a fabulous new shampoo? A fun tee shirt that says 'Bride-To-Be' on it?

With a positive mindset for what you've already accomplished, you're in a better mindframe to step up your efforts in a healthier way. A happy person doesn't consider crash diets or desperation measures. She congratulates herself for her great efforts and then looks for fun new workouts to try at the gym, adds healthier foods to her diet, finds more dedication to wake up early to go for a run. Even if she's only lost 2 pounds so far. It's still a Win, and that smile keeps stress at bay.

How are you going to reward yourself? Share your story in the Comments section.