Let Your Human Spirit Lead in the Era of AI
Timeless Tools and Human Support for Navigating Today's Rapid Changes.
Welcome! This is Hope Sparks, a weekly newsletter about making changes in our lives.
This question has always gotten under my skin.
“WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?”
“When we’re young people ask us this on repeat. The way teachers, parents and careers advisors ask these questions you’d think there is a simple route to navigate the world. I suppose there is an ordinary route. Go to school, study hard, go to the best university you can, get in debt, get a job, work to pay off that debt and then make your way in the world. However, that route is just that – ordinary. I mean who wants to be ordinary? “ - Johnathan Weaver, The Anti-Blueprint Project
Even though I’m in my 40’s, this question still stirs me.
It’s leading us to a dead end. Like there’s a final spot to land. And stay forever more.
What if there is no final destination? Instead, we spend our entire lives growing up?
Growing out.
Growing in.
Asking young people, or anyone for that matter, what they want to BE—suggests they link their identity to their education and work path.
If this is the case, who are we as humans without our work or education?
This question breeds anxiety, for an already anxious generation (and their parents).
The rumbling worry in the background…
What if I, or my children, go off the beaten path? Will we still measure up?
I’d respond (and I do with many clients).
Measuring up to what?
My question for you—are you staying the course (the job, the lifestyle, the education path) because you’re too afraid of what’s on the other side?
How will you feel if you don’t take that risk? Ever?
The less we feel into our inner questions, our compass, the more I believe robots and machines will take over our lives.
When Ai moves into the human world?
Ai tools are encroaching on much of our world. HUGE developments dropped this week leaving many people of all ages reeling, curious, scared, thrilled and everything in between.
Working with entrepreneurs, visionaries and change makers means I have front row seats to humans exploring what’s possible.
This week we saw what is possible when Ai tools kick it up a notch. I’ve added a few (short clip) videos below. NOT to scare or hype. Instead, they are a window into questions to ask ourselves.
Like what happens to the landscape of education when this is possible?
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What about personal identity when this is possible?
Who do our children turn to for support on questions when this function is available?
More humans are asking,
“How do I stand out? Everything is already happening out there. What could I possibly contribute that’s unique right now. Why bother?”
“What’s the right career or work for me?”
“What’s the best strategy for my life?”
“What is the future going to hold for my children? Will Ai take their jobs?”
“Where do I source a map for happiness?”
“I am not tech savvy, what value could I possibly offer our modern age?”
I get these questions daily from my beloved clients. People reaching out to explore what’s possible in their lives.
They were good boys and girls and followed the directed route. They picked a path. This was often based on their parents’ careers, or examples they had around them for what’s possible. Striving for security and happiness, they decided what they were going to BE when they grew up.
At age 21, 28, 35, 42, 55, 61, 75 (the span of ages of my clients at the moment) thatpath doesn’t feel as relevant.
They want to find their compass.
Finding Your Compass in the Age of AI: Leaning into Our Humanity
I say swap the prescriptive route. BE more you.
Feeling a bit lost amidst the rapid rise of AI and tech? Here are heart-centered doorways to reconnect with your human self.
You may know all of these. But knowing them and following them are two different things. And please NO - guilt and shame allowed to this party. Be gentle and patient with yourself as you explore finding your compass.
Pause and Breathe 🌬️ Wherever you sit or stand, take a moment to just breathe deeply. Feel the air fill your lungs and let it ground you in the present moment. This simple act can help center your thoughts and emotions.
Reconnect with Nature 🌳 Step outside, feel the earth beneath your feet, listen to the birds, or simply gaze at the sky. Nature has a way of reminding us of our roots and the beauty of the world around us. When we make a connection with the Earth, when we ground through barefoot walking, there has been found to be a reduction in white blood cells and an increase in red blood cells, which hints to better immunity. Barefoot walking has been shown to help increase antioxidants, reduce inflammation and improve sleep.
Embrace Silence 🤫 Turn off the noise (yes, take your headphones out, pause the constant flow of information and chatter). Put down your phone, close your laptop, and sit in silence. This quiet space allows you to tune into your inner voice and find clarity.
Reflect on Your Values 🧭 What truly matters to you? Write down your core values and reflect on how your actions align with them. This can guide your decisions and bring you back to your path. Developing your own values (not what you were told were your values) is a brilliant bit of personal insight to guide your questions, direction and pauses.
Connect with Loved Ones ❤️ Spend simple quality time with family and friends. I’m not talking fanfare and expensive outings. Share stories, laugh, and be present with those who bring joy to your life. Human connection is a powerful reminder of what really matters. You know it when you feel it.
Engage in Creative Expression 🎨 Whether it’s painting, photography, writing, dancing, or playing music, allow yourself to express your emotions creatively. This can be a therapeutic way to rediscover your passions and interests. If you’ve forgotten what feels creative, experiment, explore and read this book.
Practice Gratitude 🙏 Take a few moments each day to acknowledge what you're grateful for. This shifts your focus, and your thinking, from what’s missing to the abundance already present in your life.
Listen to Your Body 🧘♀️ Pay attention to how your body feels. Are you tired, stressed, or tense? Honor these signals and give yourself the care and rest you need. I call this tuning into your Body Detective. Your body is sending you cues and clues all day and night. Listen in, pay attention, it has something to tell you.
Stay Curious 🤔 Embrace a mindset of curiosity. Explore new interests, learn something new, or ask open-ended questions. Curiosity can lead you to new passions and insights about yourself. I’m starting my #30daysdifferent next month. Let’s explore our curiosity together, shall we?
Help Others 🌍 Engage in acts of kindness and service. Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and remind you of the positive impact you can have. Even in the smallest ways.
Journal Your Thoughts 📓 Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, building self-awareness and understanding your inner world.
Digital Detox 📵 Take breaks from digital screens and social media. Disconnecting from technology can help you reconnect with yourself and the physical world around you. This feels impossible these days. It’s not. Start small. Perhaps half a day. See how it feels and go from there.
Need help weaving Ai into your life?
Here’s a short chat with my client and friend Scott Meyer. He gives me (us) the goods on what just landed in the world of Ai and how his human-led company can support.
Connect with my pals at Chipp.ai and book an onboarding call HERE.
Reads & Recs
On my bedside:
The Anti-Blueprint Project - the narrative we’re fed about needing life mapped out is so harmful to our own creativity and passion that we likely suppress so much of our own potential along the way. Most of us are still figuring it out anyways. There isn’t really a blueprint for any of this.
Listen into on a walk:
In our world teeming with Ai, Consider how you’re asking questions - and pitching your life from an authentic place.
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See you next week. If you enjoyed this read, please invite your friends.
In your corner,
With love,
Hope