Hostage Release

For almost two weeks our internet was out. During that time, my husband or I were constantly on the phone with our provider, moving through their ineffectual process. We said to each other, "This is a disadvantage of living in a small town. This area is not wired like Austin. This would never happen in Austin." We assumed we had to accept this terrible service.

My mood was bad. I was disgruntled. It was the first of the month, and bills that I normally pay online were due. I needed to reconcile the bank accounts. All of my systems were on hold.

Then I realized I could take my iPad to a coffee shop and do what I needed on the internet. But I resented it.

Then I realized I could choose to enjoy being at the coffee shop, with its music and activity, instead of alone in my office at home.

Then I realized I could change internet providers. We made a phone call and had new, faster internet service installed within three hours. Finally, I was free.

You write it: When have you felt as if you were being held hostage and your world was narrowing? How did you work your way out of it? How long did it take you?