I had a dream the other night that I lost my cell phone. Actually, it was a nightmare.

I remember vividly where I was at the very moment that I realized the phone was missing. It felt as though someone had stolen my wallet. I began to think about all of the photos, videos and information that is on that one piece of mobile technology and my heart sank even further. Then, sheer panic set in.

It was a scene right out of a movie script in which I frantically retraced my steps and had absolutely no luck. It was gone. Forever. And I had to deal with the emotion and aftermath…until of course, I woke up.

And when I awoke I was never so thankful to see that shiny black piece of technology resting so peacefully on my nightstand.

But in retrospect, why did the mere thought of losing a cell phone have such an effect on me? I mean, it’s just a cell phone and it’s replaceable, right?

Fast forward a few days later, I was drinking some coffee and tweeting from my computer as the kids were enjoying a little morning dose of Yo Gabba Gabba before they went to pre-school. Within moments of tweeting online, I was one of many who were slammed with that massive attack accessing Twitter from the web recently. First, I feared for my Twitter account and had no idea what would come of it. Next, I feared for my computer…

It was all happening so fast and through such a chaotic and frantic state of mind, my son slowly walked over toward me. He looked very concerned.

He grabbed my hand as well as my attention and asked, “Mommy, what’s wrong? Why do you look so upset?”

I stopped.

I put my coffee down.

I shut the laptop.

And I sat next to my kids on the couch.

I unplugged.

I arrived at a pivotal moment where I appeared to have scared my child enough to think there was something wrong and I never want my child to see me worrying over computer issues, a Twitter account or the remnants of a potentially lost cell phone. There are so many other things to stress about in life and the aforementioned should never be part of it.

It turns out that my Twitter account was fully restored and my laptop was completely fine. However, it’s so easy to sometimes get wrapped up in this kind of drama as it unfolds and I’ve learned to be mindful of the fact that it’s only technology and there are far more important things in life that need my immediate attention.

The only real communication of monumental importance has to come from my children first – and the moment they begin to “tweet” with me – I know it’s time to unplug.