NOTE: This is an updated post from way back when. Message is the same, only better. ;)
Life has a funny way of teaching lessons, doesn’t it? Recently, my laptop decided to go completely unresponsive while I was visiting family in Canada. One moment, everything was fine. The next? Nothing. Dead as a doornail.
My first instinct? Scream. Of course, screaming doesn’t fix broken electronics—though it’s surprisingly tempting! So, I called in my tech-savvy hubby for a rescue mission. Unfortunately, even his skills hit a wall. After some frustration, I reluctantly contacted customer support. You know the drill: unplug, remove the battery, reboot, repeat. Nothing worked.
With no other options, I had to ship my laptop off to "major repair land." As I packed it up, I realized how vulnerable I felt. My laptop wasn’t just a machine; it held my work, my passion, my creative life. So, I did what I could—I kept my hard drive safe at home—and prepared for a long wait.
It’s been three weeks now. Three. Long. Weeks. Without my laptop, my routine has been flipped upside down. Hubby and I are sharing the home desktop, which has led to more than a few squabbles. (Sorry, love!) And while I’ve managed to transfer most of my files, I still feel a little... disjointed.
Thankfully, I had automated parts of my workflow, so my daily tips kept running. But even with that safeguard, I felt strangely disconnected. Over time, I realized how much I had become attached to my laptop—almost addicted. This unexpected break forced me to step back and reevaluate.
For years, I’ve been helping others manage stress and navigate conflict. I teach clients how to embrace self-care and find balance. And yet, here I was, needing to take my own advice.
This experience has been humbling. It reminded me that no matter how much we prepare, life will throw challenges our way. It’s not easy to stay calm when your passion or livelihood feels at stake, but it is possible. Here’s how I’ve been managing—and how you can, too:
Remember: This Isn’t Forever
It might feel overwhelming now, but challenges are temporary. This too shall pass.
Stop Blaming Your Partner
Your partner isn’t your scapegoat. When things go wrong, try to appreciate their support, even if they can’t “fix” everything.
Talk It Out
Share your frustrations with someone you trust. Let them know you’re venting, not blaming, and simply need to unload.
Redirect Your Energy
Use this time to tackle something you’ve been putting off. For me, that meant decluttering my workspace. For you, it might be catching up with loved ones or starting a new hobby.
Get Creative With Solutions
When Plan A doesn’t work, it’s time to find Plan B (or C or D). I’ve been relying on my phone, iPad, and our desktop to stay productive. There’s always a workaround—you just have to look for it.
Focus on the Positive
Even in difficult situations, there’s something good to find. For me, it’s learning patience and practicing gratitude for the tools and people I do have.
This laptop saga has been a challenge, but it’s also been a gift. It’s reminded me to slow down, embrace flexibility, and lean on others when I need support.
If you’re facing your own unexpected challenges, take a deep breath. You’re stronger than you think. And remember—life has a way of working itself out, one way or another.
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The original content you just enjoyed is copyright protected by The Stepmom Coach—aka Claudette Chenevert—who proudly offers information, tips, products and other resources for building better relationships “one STEP at a time” via 1:1 coaching, self-guided coursework and more. Suitability is to be determined by individual users based on their own concerns and circumstances, as The Stepmom Coach does not endorse and is not liable for opinions expressed by third parties (i.e., advertisers, affiliates, audience members, clients).
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Read MoreOh how very interesting. I was on holiday last week and my computer just would not work. I was stressing out as I am in a blog challenge and “gotta blog, gotta blog” 🙂 After making myself crazy I closed the computer and simply decided to enjoy the much needed holiday rather than let the comptuer challenge ruin it. Back home and all is well. Best Regards, Wendy
Great article. And it’s a good idea to create a little “insurance fund.” So when your computer crashes unexpectedly you’ve got the funds ready to buy a new one.
Louise, what fabulous suggestions to gain perspective. I’ve used some of these tools to gain some space and clear my head. I’ve come away with some great ideas. Including aha moments that have changed direction of my business.
Thanks for reminding to do this more often.
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventure.com/blog
Going for a walk, finding another solution and finding the positive are what help me. I know the feeling of needing my computer so much, though! It feels like total withdrawal to not have it!
I love the learning points you shared in your post Claudette. I know how frustrating it can be when the ‘life blood’ of your business gets sabotaged. Another point I might add, is that there is the opportunity to step into gratitude. When things are going wrong, it’s an easy downward spiral with the negative mind-chatter. To shift things quickly, it helps to ask what you’re grateful for. I see you were doing a bit of that with the points you made which is great. By specifically asking what I’m grateful for, really helps us to step into that energy, and definitely makes that stuff that’s going wrong fade into the background. Another question is: Now that I don’t have my laptop and can’t do certain things, what is the universe creating space for, for me? It might be interesting to check in and see what comes up there. Thanks for your wonderful post!
AHHHH Louise. You know me too well. Yes, Universe is definitely creating space for more self-care, which I know I’m neglecting a bit (well maybe a lot). I was able to declutter my space, realizing once again that I’m keeping way too much stuff even in the RV.
You are also reminding me to get back to writing in my gratitude journal or my “5 daily successes” that I’ve put aside. I don’t know why I did put writing aside but I’ll be glad to get back to it and this I don’t need any electronics other than pen and paper.
Thanks for sharing Louise. Always enjoy hearing from you.
I’m not sure what I’d do if my laptop went kaput! I use it for everything! I do have a smarthpone and a tablet, and love and use both all the time, but the laptop is indispensible.
Your post is a reminder that I need to put a backup solution in place, so I don’t have those stress/freakout moments if something does happen!
Gwynne, I’m actually surprised at myself that I’ve not freaked out more. But as I mentioned, the tips I shared have actually helped. Also, knowing that I was able to take out my hard drive and have it updated on our home server has been good. Smart phones and tablets are a good substitute but don’t actually replace the full capacity of a computer. I’m just glad that all will be over soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It’s really easy to let things make you crazy, isn’t it!
I have to remind myself that things will “only last for…..” and I can do anything for that long!
I don’t know about the blaming spouse thing……I always tell him that I didn’t say it was HIS fault, I just said I was going to BLAME him. Works for us!
I am generally pretty open mouthed about what’s bothering me and I do try to let ppl know that it’s JUST RANTING!
Today I am going to take my mother for a lovely drive in the mountains to visit some of her friends that are there for a few days.
I will let them help me IF they can figure out how to do it my way!! lol
I do look for the blessings in every second of every day! I usually find a few too!
Thanks for a great post & some great reminders!
Ahhh Brenda. Loved reading your comments. When I read my post to Hubby before publishing it, he giggled (yes giggled) at the blaming bit. I am sure he will remind me of that one. I have similar thoughts around having people help me (IF they can figure out how to do it my way). What’s funny though is that I’ve learned that another’s way of doing things can actually be better than mine. Shocker at times ;0)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Oh how very interesting. I was on holiday last week and my computer just would not work. I was stressing out as I am in a blog challenge and “gotta blog, gotta blog” 🙂 After making myself crazy I closed the computer and simply decided to enjoy the much needed holiday rather than let the comptuer challenge ruin it. Back home and all is well. Best Regards, Wendy
Great article. And it’s a good idea to create a little “insurance fund.” So when your computer crashes unexpectedly you’ve got the funds ready to buy a new one.
Louise, what fabulous suggestions to gain perspective. I’ve used some of these tools to gain some space and clear my head. I’ve come away with some great ideas. Including aha moments that have changed direction of my business.
Thanks for reminding to do this more often.
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventure.com/blog
Going for a walk, finding another solution and finding the positive are what help me. I know the feeling of needing my computer so much, though! It feels like total withdrawal to not have it!
I love the learning points you shared in your post Claudette. I know how frustrating it can be when the ‘life blood’ of your business gets sabotaged. Another point I might add, is that there is the opportunity to step into gratitude. When things are going wrong, it’s an easy downward spiral with the negative mind-chatter. To shift things quickly, it helps to ask what you’re grateful for. I see you were doing a bit of that with the points you made which is great. By specifically asking what I’m grateful for, really helps us to step into that energy, and definitely makes that stuff that’s going wrong fade into the background. Another question is: Now that I don’t have my laptop and can’t do certain things, what is the universe creating space for, for me? It might be interesting to check in and see what comes up there. Thanks for your wonderful post!
AHHHH Louise. You know me too well. Yes, Universe is definitely creating space for more self-care, which I know I’m neglecting a bit (well maybe a lot). I was able to declutter my space, realizing once again that I’m keeping way too much stuff even in the RV.
You are also reminding me to get back to writing in my gratitude journal or my “5 daily successes” that I’ve put aside. I don’t know why I did put writing aside but I’ll be glad to get back to it and this I don’t need any electronics other than pen and paper.
Thanks for sharing Louise. Always enjoy hearing from you.
I’m not sure what I’d do if my laptop went kaput! I use it for everything! I do have a smarthpone and a tablet, and love and use both all the time, but the laptop is indispensible.
Your post is a reminder that I need to put a backup solution in place, so I don’t have those stress/freakout moments if something does happen!
Gwynne, I’m actually surprised at myself that I’ve not freaked out more. But as I mentioned, the tips I shared have actually helped. Also, knowing that I was able to take out my hard drive and have it updated on our home server has been good. Smart phones and tablets are a good substitute but don’t actually replace the full capacity of a computer. I’m just glad that all will be over soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It’s really easy to let things make you crazy, isn’t it!
I have to remind myself that things will “only last for…..” and I can do anything for that long!
I don’t know about the blaming spouse thing……I always tell him that I didn’t say it was HIS fault, I just said I was going to BLAME him. Works for us!
I am generally pretty open mouthed about what’s bothering me and I do try to let ppl know that it’s JUST RANTING!
Today I am going to take my mother for a lovely drive in the mountains to visit some of her friends that are there for a few days.
I will let them help me IF they can figure out how to do it my way!! lol
I do look for the blessings in every second of every day! I usually find a few too!
Thanks for a great post & some great reminders!
Ahhh Brenda. Loved reading your comments. When I read my post to Hubby before publishing it, he giggled (yes giggled) at the blaming bit. I am sure he will remind me of that one. I have similar thoughts around having people help me (IF they can figure out how to do it my way). What’s funny though is that I’ve learned that another’s way of doing things can actually be better than mine. Shocker at times ;0)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.