She sometimes puts her shoes on the wrong feet, she doesn’t always remember to include the number “nine” when counting and she can get a little crabby when it’s time for a nap.

But at just 3 years old, my niece has taught me a lot more about life than one would believe a tiny human could.

After trying on several bridal gowns last week, my frustration began to sink in.

“Auntie Kewl-sie, you look beautiful!” Anya would tell me each time I came out of the dressing room. “That one is my favorite!”

But I had a hard time believing it myself, since I had my heart set on one dress in particular, which, of course, was not available to try on in-store.

Eventually, I settled on one. But almost immediately, after swiping my card and leaving the store, buyer’s remorse set in.

What was supposed to be a day filled with champagne and smiles quickly turned into a stress-inducing catastrophe.

And I hated every minute of it.

From the get-go, I’ve tried to remind myself that our wedding day is about one thing – the love me and my fiance have for one another and our commitment to honor that for the rest of our lives.

But regardless of the true meaning, it’s hard to ignore the constant pressures and demands that come with planning such a significant life event.

“Your wedding day will be the best day of your life,” countless people have told me. Expectations of hosting a “perfect” day surface before you’ve even had a chance to set a date. Add weddings to the list of things that have become commercialized by our society.

Social media doesn’t help either. My Facebook newsfeed is constantly barraged with perfectly posed engagement photos, advice on creating the ideal registry and instructions for do-it-yourself decorations.

A couple thousand dollars here, several hundred dollars there. A cake tasting. A venue visit. A meeting with the florist. A desperate plea for help.

Even more than the pressure of planning, I hate that I care so much. Especially since I never thought that I would.

In the grand scheme of things, clothing, centerpieces and dinnerware don’t matter. What does matter is the fact that I’ve found someone to share in life’s adventures with, and that I’ve been blessed with a group of family and friends to celebrate our marriage with.

Sometimes it takes a 3-year-old singing along to Bob Marley to help you realize that.

“Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be all right,” Anya sang during the car ride home from dress shopping.

Like three little birds, Anya, her mother/my maid of honor and I sat in the back seat belting out the rest of the tune.

Her little finger hit the repeat button, and just like that, balance in my world was restored.

Editor’s note: Kelsie Thompson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.