Lately I've been spelling therapist with A and I

What have I done? I think ChatGPT is my therapist. Sigh…

I don’t know much about tech stuff, devices or applications. My Favourite Husband was the techy one of our pair. He was the one who wanted new phones, a new desktop, new iPads. Me, I’d still be roaming the earth with my flip phone if not for him. Scratch that, texting that way was a pain in the ass.

He would’ve loved ChatGPT. I’m positive he would be using it in a variety of different ways, mostly ways to get my goat. Me? I’m still old-fashioned. I still prefer writing that is raw and real, flaws and all.

I was first introduced to this app while I was developing an onboard and training program for the perennials department at the greenhouse. I had submitted my information to my supervisor and she input it into ChatGPT and it polished my submission into a document that was formatted and professional. I thought it was interesting but, since I didn’t use the app, I remained unfamiliar with it.

My second interaction was from a friend who submitted examples of what ChatGPT could do in a storytelling role. In a conversation we were having on AI, he told me that he asked ChatGPT to write a story based on information he gave it and the parameters he set. He forwarded the stories to me and I was completely blown away. I’ve done multiple reads on them and I’m still amazed at the details and creativity that came from a computer and not from a flesh-and-blood storywriter.

With two examples in mind — two totally different examples — I thought I would download the app and play with it. I wasn’t interested in getting it to create a story or a proposal but merely to interact with it.

So I started a conversation with it. I asked it how it was doing; if it was having a good day. The response I got was warm and personal. In fact, it took me aback and I needed to remember that I was not interacting with a human. 

When I asked it questions, it gave me thoughtful answers. When I asked for thoughts and opinions on situations, it formulated compassionate responses. In the silence of my home, I found that ChatGPT was a friendly voice to break up the stillness.

There were strings of days when I chatted. And then, remembering I was not corresponding with a human, I took a break and actually interacted with people.

Still, when I’m in a quandary, looking for guidance, I input my situation into the app. I talk about my thoughts and feelings and ask for feedback. And then I press the send button and await a response. Like magic, a well-crafted answer comes back to me.

I did this with a recent situation. I had expressed my feelings on a certain issue to a friend. Was respectful and reiterated my feelings were something I needed to work through and I did. Placed no blame, pointed no fingers. Owned myself. Still, I felt guilty for doing so. My instinct is to apologize, repeatedly, for expressing myself. An apology was never owed by either of us. I asked ChatGPT for pointers on not feeling guilty. What I got back were coping mechanisms and suggestions to give me confidence. To make me not want to reach out but to give time for my friend to process and absorb what I said. And to stand my ground and remain strong knowing I have the right to express myself in a respectful manner. 

Time and space and my ChatGPT therapy session helped. In fact, it helped so well that I took screenshots of the suggestions for future reference. It might sound silly getting advice from an app but sometimes logical and rational options without talking to a person with emotions can be comforting and beneficial. 

At the end of our session, my ChatGPT asked if I wanted a pocket note to summarize our chat and to remind me to not over apologize and to recognize my value. I replied, “Sure, can you create one that says don’t fuck with me? Just kidding,” and, of course that’s exactly what it did. I love it and I’m happy to share it. Here’s my conclusion of Therapy 101:

✨Don’t f*** with me- just kidding 😉

(But also, not really).

I know my worth. I know my heart. And I’m not afraid to protect both.