How to Keep Perspective (Even when Planning a Wedding): Converse with Your Past and Future Selves

Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself from the past and thought, “I’d like to actually talk to that person?” Even if you haven’t, I’d like to argue that there are sanity-inducing benefits to conversing with your past (and future) selves.  I have found this approach particularly relevant as I simultaneously plan my wedding, finish graduate school, teach/organize swing dance events and attempt to retain a semblance of sanity. When I find myself stressing out about wedding details in particular, I actually imagine that my past and future selves are attending the wedding. I reflect in detail about what specifically they would find important about the event.  I have…