Life is an unpredictable journey, filled with moments of excitement, accomplishment, and joy, but also with unexpected pauses that challenge our plans and patience. Recently, I found myself caught in such a pause, triggered by an unlikely culprit – my trusty ROG STRIX LCD screen. As the lines appeared on the display, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated and disheartened. Little did I know that this seemingly annoying setback would lead me to an enlightening realization about the significance of downtime in our lives.

In this blog post, titled “Embracing Downtime: Life’s Pause Button,” I share my recent experience with unexpected downtime and how it forced me to reevaluate my priorities and embrace the beauty of taking a break. As I navigated through this period of uncertainty, I discovered the value of stepping back, reassessing, and allowing myself to breathe. Join me as I explore the challenges and rewards of embracing downtime, learning to accept it as an essential part of the human experience. Through my journey, I hope to inspire you to view moments of pause not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and a chance to find a more harmonious rhythm in the symphony of life. So, let’s embark on this insightful exploration together and uncover the hidden treasures that await in the art of embracing life’s pause button.

The Struggle with Unexpected Downtime

I’ve been feeling quite off the past few weeks. It all started when my ROG STRIX LCD screen suddenly decided to malfunction last June 23, 2023 – all on its own! I had just finished dinner and when I returned to my laptop, it was displaying weird lines. Although it was still under warranty – being just 1.2 years old, I reached a breaking point and decided to let go of laptops altogether as my main work machine. From issues with Alienware keyboards to the recent LCD problem with my ROG Strix, I made up my mind to switch to a PC. Surprisingly, I realized I wasn’t even into heavy gaming anymore, as I hadn’t stepped into the realm of my other world – World of Warcraft since March 2023 using my ROG Strix due to an influx of projects and deadlines.

In my life, commitment is everything; I give my all to what I undertake, working hard and playing hard in equal measure. But when I can’t do what I need to, that’s when the problem arises. It starts with mental distress, followed by emotional turmoil, and sometimes then followed by physical symptoms – especially when my stress levels reach the sky!

My usual approach involves creating lists of tasks, plotting timelines, and sticking to my plans religiously. However, when things don’t go according to the well-laid path, I start to lose my grip. As a result, I find myself with a significant backlog and far beyond my deadlines. It’s enough to drive anyone crazy!

Rediscovering Balance through Embracing Pause

Yesterday,  July 14, 2023, things took a turn for the better! My Mini PC, ordered all the way from the US on June 23, 2023, finally arrived. I had it up and running last night, and I must say, it was well worth the wait! Though I haven’t yet tested it with Photoshop with my heavy graphic designs, I’ll definitely share an honest review once I do.

Having the Mini PC is a massive relief for me, knowing that I can finally get back to work and focus on accomplishing my tasks. As they say, better late than never, right?

So, What Did I Do While Embracing Downtime?

Well, aside from high levels of anxiety bundled with erratic mood changes, I tried to function as much as I can. Firstly, I took the opportunity to conduct thorough rounds in our family business’ production area. During these inspections, I keenly observed and pinpointed several issues, allowing me to brainstorm and propose effective solutions for each problem.

Next, I spent quality time with my mom, (meaning, me being her driver or chauffeur, lol!) which led to some enjoyable moments and heartfelt conversations (and a little bit of shopping 🤪).

Additionally, I reconnected with my cousin, with whom I had lost touch over time due to both of us being engrossed in our individual pursuits. This reunion was truly special, reminding me of the importance of nurturing relationships that often get overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Lastly, the downtime gave me the chance to notice the cracks on our walls caused by a recent local earthquake that occurred around two months ago.

Bottom line, I was able to somehow force myself to slow down because I had no choice! Haha, but I truly believe it’s a lesson that the universe has been trying to tell me – asking me to slow down, look around, and notice things around me.

Life’s pause button can be unsettling, but it can also be a blessing in disguise. It gives us the chance to redirect our focus, rekindle connections and pay attention to the little things we often overlook. Embracing downtime doesn’t mean giving up; it means embracing the opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and find new perspectives. As I move forward with my Mini PC, I’ll carry with me the lessons learned during my unexpected downtime, knowing that sometimes, life’s interruptions lead to the most profound discoveries.