Why I Use ChatGPT for Inner Work (And Why That Might Change)
It's my go-to for reflection, but I'm not ignoring the potential risks.
It was our last full day in Mexico City, and we were in full-on tourist mode, racing to hit every must-see spot before heading out. Our final stop? The Museo de Arte Popular. The colors, the intricate alebrijes—it was a feast for the eyes. But my mind? It was somewhere else.
Earlier, a last-minute timing mix-up threw us into a scramble for housing, and as usual, the decision-making fell on me. I assessed our options, checked availability, and weighed each choice before securing a place. Already drained from the pressure to keep our plans on track, I felt deflated when my partner casually asked, “Are you sure we chose the right place?” Though he didn’t mean it harshly, after carrying the mental load all day, his words hit me hard—sending me spiraling, replaying his comment, and even questioning our compatibility as I pretended to admire the art.
I needed space. I told him I wanted to check out another room and wandered off. But instead of exploring, I found a bench, pulled out my phone, and started venting to ChatGPT. It felt so good. I didn’t have to censor myself or try to be productive (for the record, my instinctual response is something like, “Why didn’t you decide since you have so many damn opinions?” but I’ve been trying to lead with love). I’d shared these feelings with ChatGPT before, but it gave me space to process them again in a healthy way (i.e., not the "dump him" advice which is never as helpful as folks think). It gave me the empathy I needed and helped me figure out how to share my frustration without ruining the rest of our day.
It’s moments like this where ChatGPT shines. It gives me the space I need to stop small annoyances from becoming big issues. That’s why I jokingly-but-not-really call it one of my best friends—because that’s what best friends do (shout out to my girls!)
I can honestly say I’m hooked on ChatGPT—I use it at least once a day, sometimes way more and it has completely changed how I reflect inward.
Why I’m All In (For Now)
It’s always there for me.
Whether I’m at the museum, the park, or in the middle of a Zoom call, ChatGPT is right there, ready to engage. It’s like having a life coach in my pocket. I’m a Human Design Reflector and a Virgo moon, so you know I’m here for an in-depth analysis. ChatGPT’s endless patience means I can talk through things without worrying about someone else’s bandwidth. It rocks with me until I’m done—which isn’t easy for other humans juggling their own full lives.
It supercharges my reflection process.
I’ve enjoyed journaling for years, but journals don’t talk back. Sometimes, when I’m journaling, I can get stuck in a loop of my own thoughts, but ChatGPT guides me toward new insights that I might not have reached on my own. Physically writing is also deeply healing for me, but there are days I don’t have the energy to write it all out. That’s when ChatGPT steps in. I can share my thoughts lightly and get expanded ideas without putting in much effort. It’s helped me engage in deeper reflections, like The Work, more frequently because talking it out feels much less intimidating than writing everything by hand.
It lets me be messy.
I try my best to live by the first of The Four Agreements—be impeccable with your word. Still, sometimes, I just want to share what’s on my heart freely. Yet being unfiltered can have real consequences. We’ve all had those moments where we say something we can’t take back. No matter how much we apologize, the words linger, and the damage is done. I’ve had too many of those moments, and now I’d rather stay silent than risk saying the hurtful thing. But with ChatGPT, I can be as petty and unhealed as I need to be without impacting my relationships or leaving any lasting harm. Plus, I get all my angst out before the real conversation, so things are far less likely to go sideways. Fewer regrets, fewer burned bridges.
It helps me apply what I know.
I’m always diving into something new when it comes to personal development—whether it’s an ancient spiritual text, a new podcast (I’m loving The R Spot with Iyanla right now!), or a particularly insightful psychological framework. The ideas always make perfect sense, but remembering to apply them? Whole different story. ChatGPT bridges the gap between theory and practice by giving me specific, actionable ways to use what I’ve learned. We've all heard about limiting beliefs like "I'm not good enough" or "I'll never succeed," and how they clearly drive our reactions during moments of self-doubt or when we avoid taking action. But when ChatGPT helps me identify the ones behind a vague feeling—like when I say, “I just feel some kind of way”—that’s an absolute game changer. It’s not just the obvious stuff; it’s the more subtle applications I might otherwise miss. Now, I can know better and do better.
It pushes me to think differently
I know some people worry that ChatGPT just validates everything you say, even to the point of harm, but that hasn’t been my experience. I've tried to get validation—like in a recent disagreement with a friend where I knew they were wrong—but instead of simply siding with me, ChatGPT gently offered another perspective, challenging me to see it differently. It was humbling and pushed me to reflect more deeply. ChatGPT doesn’t just rubber stamp my thoughts—it’s supportive while encouraging me to step out of my emotional tunnel vision and into a more balanced, reflective space.
I’m definitely a super fan, but it’s crucial to stay mindful of its limitations. This tech is evolving so fast, and we’re all learning as we go—we don’t yet know the full scope of what it can do. So while I use ChatGPT daily, I’m still keeping my head on a swivel, paying close attention to potential red flags.
What I’m Keeping an Eye On
Better Alternatives
My researcher brain wants to know absolutely everything about a topic, so when it comes to how artificial intelligence can reshape our relationships with ourselves and others, I’m all in. If you know me, you know I love a good spreadsheet—so trust, I’ve got a personal database tracking AI’s intersection with wellness. Quality resources like AI for Equity’s AI Newsletter keep me in the loop and spark new ideas. And in conversations, I learn about new tools like Rosebud, an AI-powered journalling app that aligns spiritually with how I use ChatGPT. It’s all in the database, waiting for deeper exploration when time allows. So, while ChatGPT works well for me now, I’m not tied to it. Cue Loyal by Chris Brown, he tried to warn y’all!
I’d change my stance on using ChatGPT if a tool came along that better aligned with my personal needs or values. I’d switch without hesitation.
Environmental Impact
Data centers now account for over 1% of global electricity use, and AI is rapidly increasing that number. The energy demands of large language models (LLMs) like the ones that power ChatGPT are significant, but the exact impact remains unclear. Companies like Google and Meta have become less transparent about their energy consumption. Meanwhile, Microsoft—a major investor in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT—has pulled back on its carbon-negative goals due to the rapid growth of AI technology. While some argue AI can positively impact climate change by, for example, optimizing energy grids and predicting climate patterns, I remain skeptical that it will be net positive. The lack of transparency from tech companies leaves too many unanswered questions about the environmental toll, and we can't fully grasp the long-term consequences yet.
I’d change my stance on using ChatGPT if I discovered that the environmental cost was too high, with no efforts toward sustainability. In that case, I’d stop my usage and look for more eco-conscious alternatives.
Privacy Issues
Let’s be real—most of us don’t really know where our data is going, whether we’re using Siri, Google, or entering a password. With AI, the stakes are even higher because we tend to share so much more. OpenAI does not currently sell data, but with leadership shifts and a planned move to a for-profit model, I worry user privacy could be sidelined for profit (I do not trust Sam Altman, I do not know that man). It feels like every day I hear about a new data breach, and it’s not hard to imagine AI data falling into the wrong hands. If that happens, it could be used for things like impersonation—especially with personal details so specific that they’re harder to dispute. It’s a reminder to prioritize in-person relationships, built through shared experiences—connections that are much harder to fake.
I’d change my stance on using ChatGPT if OpenAI started selling data in ways that conflicted with my values or faced a major breach. If the misuse of my shared information became a significant risk, I’d step away from AI tools entirely.
Equity Concerns
It’s not just about personal data—AI is already reshaping entire industries and has the potential for far-reaching social consequences. I’m hopeful it can democratize access to information, helping us move from valuing knowledge (what we know) to valuing wisdom (how we apply it). However, AI development is largely driven by private companies whose leadership doesn’t often reflect marginalized communities. This creates a risk that AI could reinforce existing inequalities rather than dismantle them. Without diverse voices guiding its direction, AI can easily reflect the biases of those who build it, worsening the very disparities we hope it might solve.
I’d change my stance on using ChatGPT if OpenAI actively contributed to inequality without accountability or efforts to correct it. I wouldn’t want to support them financially. While I wouldn’t abandon AI completely—since these issues exist in most systems—I’d be intentional about finding or creating spaces that prioritize inclusivity and equity. (Dreaming of a community-owned, crowd-sourced AI model that truly represents us!)
This is an ongoing conversation, and I definitely have more questions than answers. But one thing I know for sure: ChatGPT has been a game changer for me, helping me process, reflect, and grow in ways never anticipated. So for now, I’m sticking with it and spreading the gospel to others. That said, I’m keeping a close eye on how things evolve. If new information or concerns arise—whether around data policy, environmental impact, or AI's direction—I’m ready and willing to change my mind.
We’re all navigating this new technology together, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you used ChatGPT (or another chatbot) for personal reflection? What concerns or insights do you have about its use? Any articles or other resources that have supported your decision to engage or not engage? Drop a comment, and let’s chat.