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I don’t know if you heard, but my laptop stopped working while I was away visiting family in Canada. It just wouldn’t open. Caput. At first, I wanted to scream but then realized that wouldn’t change anything, other than release some of the stress I was going through.

Then I asked my trusted Hubby to come save me by trying to figure out what was going on. He was stumped. I was upset at him because I thought he would be able to fix it in no time. Not today. So I called customer support and went through the unplug, remove battery, reboot, rinse and repeat. You get my drift. Nothing was working.

So finally, I must send my laptop to major repair land, fearing what they were going to do with all my work. That’s when I decided to keep my hard drive safe at home. It’s been three weeks that I’m without my laptop, trying to stay calm and productive. It’s not been easy.

I’ve been short tempered with poor dear Hubby because we’ve been sharing our home desktop (I was able to transfer most of my files there). I was glad that I had the foresight to automate some of my work so that you would continue to get my daily tips, but still, I felt disconnected. I’ve now become addicted to my laptop and it was time to learn to let go.

For years, I’ve told my clients the importance of taking care of themselves, sharing ways to deal with stress and conflict. It was time for me to put those words back into my mouth. I know it’s not easy to relax, especially at a time when there is much at stake (for me, it’s my life passion, for others, it’s their marriage or family)

Here are a few things that I’m doing to help me deal with the situation and you can do to:

  1. Know that it’s not a life sentence and things will get better

  2. Your partner/spouse can’t be held accountable for all the things that go wrong in your life

  3. Let others know what’s going on with you. Share your thoughts and emotions and be sure to let them know you are just venting and not blaming.

  4. Go for a walk, do something you’ve been meaning to do for a long time, visit family or friends. I decided to get rid of papers that were cluttering my space

  5. Look for an alternative to solving the problem. I’ve been using my cellphone, my iPad and our home desktop. There is always a solution out there. It’s just a matter of finding it.

  6. Appreciate that others are really trying to help you. Let them.

  7. Find the positive in what’s happening. There is always something good in all situations.

  • 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.

  • Brenda Case says:

    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.

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

    Tags

    appreciation, dealing with conflict, dealing with stress

    About the Author

    CLAUDETTE CHENEVERT, aka The Stepmom Coach, works with women as they struggle to create a cohesive family life. As a speaker, author and stepfamily professional, Claudette mentors and guides stepmothers through the process of establishing a harmonious and thriving home life for their families. Her newest title, “The Stepmom’s Book of Boundaries,” is now available on Amazon.com and elsewhere. Learn about her coaching practice and self-study program for stepmoms at StepmomCoach.com.

    Claudette Chenevert

    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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  • 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.

  • Brenda Case says:

    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.

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
    • Home
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    • Putting My Words Back Into My Mouth.
  • 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.

  • Brenda Case says:

    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.

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

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