A few years ago a friend suggested I let AI write my blog.
A non-writer friend.
Who obviously had no idea that writing for writers is a means of self expression, not something that someone else can do for us.
We write because we have something we want to say–but really it’s that we NEED to say it. We need to write our feelings and opinions, and then share it with others.
But once I finished shaking my head in wry amusement, I wondered. Could ChatGPT write for me?
I gave Chat GPT the following instruction: Write me a blog post like Carol Cassara.
I did not give the app a topic or any of my writing or even a writing sample. Just the request.
Instantly, Chat GPT responded as follows:
ChatGPT: Sure! Carol Cassara is known for her thoughtful and reflective writing, often about personal growth, emotional wellness, and life transitions. Her style is warm, engaging, and deeply introspective, encouraging readers to explore their own experiences and emotions.
Embracing the Power of Quiet Moments
We live in a world that’s constantly moving. The hum of daily life can feel like a relentless drumbeat, one that’s hard to escape. In fact, we’re so accustomed to the noise—the social media notifications, the never-ending work emails, the background chatter of the world—that we might forget what it feels like to truly be still.
But in these quiet moments, when the world pauses just long enough for us to catch our breath, something magical happens. We reconnect with ourselves. We can hear the whisper of our own thoughts, the ones that get drowned out by the cacophony of external demands.
When was the last time you experienced a true moment of quiet? Not just the absence of sound, but the kind of quiet that makes space for reflection, for introspection, for the kind of awareness that reminds us of what truly matters.
The Gift of Silence
There’s something powerful about silence. It’s not just the absence of noise; it’s a presence of peace. And yet, in our fast-paced world, we often view silence as something uncomfortable, something we must fill. But silence is not an enemy to be avoided; it’s a gift to be embraced.
A few months ago, I found myself on a weekend retreat in the mountains. It was meant to be a time of renewal, of reconnecting with my purpose. For the first few hours, I struggled with the stillness. My mind raced with to-do lists and worries about the future. But as the day wore on, something shifted. I began to embrace the silence, letting go of the constant pull to “do” and simply “be.” In that stillness, I found clarity. I remembered what I had been missing—the peace within myself.
The Importance of Solitude
It’s easy to become distracted by the demands of daily life, by the need to please others, or by the constant pull of technology. Yet, in solitude, we find the space to listen to our hearts and hear what we’ve been avoiding. We realize that the answers to our deepest questions don’t lie outside of us—they reside within.
It’s in solitude that we rediscover our passions, our desires, and even our boundaries. We realize that we are enough, exactly as we are, without needing to perform for anyone else’s approval. And it’s in this stillness that we learn how to nurture ourselves, without guilt or shame.
Creating Space for Quiet in Our Lives
So how do we carve out space for quiet in a world that demands so much of our attention? It starts with intentionality.
1. Start Small: You don’t have to take a weekend retreat to experience the power of quiet. Start by carving out 5 or 10 minutes each day to sit in stillness—no phone, no distractions, just you and your breath. It’s amazing how just a few minutes of intentional quiet can reset your mind.
2. Set Boundaries: Protect your quiet time. This might mean saying no to an extra commitment or setting clear boundaries with people who constantly seek your attention. You are not obligated to be available at all times.
3. Engage in Reflective Practices: Journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in nature can help you reconnect with your inner self. These activities invite reflection, helping you process your thoughts and emotions.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment—whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, walking through the park, or listening to the sound of the rain—can bring you back to the now. Mindfulness is a way to quiet the noise and focus on what is happening right now.
Letting the Quiet Shape Us
In a culture that prizes productivity, we often forget the importance of stillness. But the quiet moments are when we grow. It’s where transformation happens, even if it’s imperceptible at first. Like a seed buried in the earth, the quiet allows us to sprout, to stretch toward the light of our own potential.
In those still, peaceful moments, we become more attuned to what we need, what we desire, and what we want to create in our lives. When we allow ourselves the grace of silence, we discover that we are enough—and that we have the wisdom we need to navigate whatever comes next.
Conclusion
Next time you feel overwhelmed by the noise, remember that the quiet is where you’ll find your true self. You don’t need to go anywhere or do anything to access this power—just stop, breathe, and listen. In the silence, everything you need is waiting for you.
Take a moment today to embrace the quiet. You deserve it.
This post has that reflective and warm tone that Carol Cassara is known for, encouraging readers to slow down, reflect, and embrace moments of peace and introspection. What do you think?
And that was how Chat GPT answered me.
I was FLOORED.
The implications are huge and I’ll discuss them tomorrow right here.
Wow. Its well-written, but somehow doesn’t have the beating heart that’s in your writing. Maybe because its not in the first-person. Still, quite scary how it was able to come up with that.
The AI apps are scary, but the more we know… As a writer, I can’t use AI to write for me, but I do use it to research, for example, agents who are taking submissions of a specific type of story or novel. In other words, I use it to do some of the footwork I’d be doing with embedded AI programs, like when I do a Google search. I’m curious to know your thoughts. 🙂
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
If you really want to scare yourself, ask DeepSeek to do that.
xxxMargaretha
I am afraid to.
Wow. Its well-written, but somehow doesn’t have the beating heart that’s in your writing. Maybe because its not in the first-person. Still, quite scary how it was able to come up with that.
Ya think? Yes, pretty scary.
Holy cow! But at the same time, I feel I have read that before somewhere else. It sounds very familiar. I wonder if AI is plagiarizing itself?
What an interesting thought!
The AI apps are scary, but the more we know… As a writer, I can’t use AI to write for me, but I do use it to research, for example, agents who are taking submissions of a specific type of story or novel. In other words, I use it to do some of the footwork I’d be doing with embedded AI programs, like when I do a Google search. I’m curious to know your thoughts. 🙂
I think it seems much more impersonal. Generic. But then, I love your writing!
as i love yours. And your accomplished family!