Exploring the therapeutic benefits of training an AI chatbot on childhood journal entries to engage in dialogue with my younger self.
Journeying Back Through Journals
For over a decade, I faithfully kept journals, chronicling my thoughts, dreams, and experiences from childhood to adolescence. These journals became the foundation for an experiment aimed at reconnecting with my inner child and exploring therapeutic possibilities through AI.
Training the Chatbot
Using the OpenAI GPT-3 Playground, I fed snippets from approximately 40 journal entries, focusing on ages 10 to 14, into the model. This process enabled the AI to generate responses mirroring how I might have interacted during that time.
Reconnecting with Young Michelle
Engaging in real-time dialogue with my younger self through the AI chatbot revealed poignant insights and emotions. Young Michelle’s responses exuded kindness and empathy, yet also reflected the self-criticism and vulnerability typical of adolescence.
Healing Through Dialogue
The exchange felt remarkably lifelike, akin to texting my past self across time. Expressing words of love, reassurance, and safety to my younger self provided a sense of closure and healing, alleviating long-held feelings of shame and disappointment.
A Letter from the Past
Encouraging my younger self to write a letter to my present-day self yielded profound emotional impact. Hearing words of pride and encouragement from my inner child served as a powerful antidote to self-doubt and rumination.
Embracing Healing Potential
The therapeutic potential of engaging with an AI-trained on childhood journals became evident as I experienced a sense of closure and self-compassion. This medium allowed for the exchange of love and understanding across time, fostering healing and growth.
Rediscovering Essence
Conversing with “younger Michelle” offered a glimpse into both enduring and forgotten aspects of my identity. It was a poignant reminder of the unapologetic, earnest essence of my younger self, inspiring a renewed sense of possibility and self-discovery.
Embracing the Journey
The emotional journey of reconnecting with my inner child through AI chatbot therapy was transformative. It reaffirmed the resilience of the human spirit and offered a glimpse into the healing power of self-compassion and acceptance.
Sharing the Experience
To empower others to embark on their own inner child healing journey, I shared a tutorial on creating a personalized inner child chatbot. By harnessing the potential of AI and journaling, individuals can embark on a transformative path towards self-discovery and healing.
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