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Do You Speak Up or Stay Silent?
By Ife Thomas
Imagine you're in the heart of a buzzing event. There’s laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses. Amidst all of this, you spot something: a person with a stray label peeking out from their shirt, or perhaps the glaring green of spinach lodged firmly between their teeth. What do you do? Do you pull them aside gently, offering a whispered word of warning? Or do you let them carry on, unaware of the tiny faux pas?
I've always been the type to lean in, extend a hand, and say, "Hey, you've got a little something there.” It's not about pointing out flaws, but rather about holding space for grace. I'd hope someone would do the same for me. Yet, I realize that such moments, intimate in their vulnerability, can be uncomfortable for many. The question is, would you venture into that discomfort to save someone else from potential embarrassment?
This ethos, believe it or not, extends far beyond spinach and stray labels. Recently, I've been deeply engrossed with ChatGPT, an AI I’ve come to appreciate. Before diving in, I took a moment to understand its depth, even watching a compelling conversation between Stephen Bartlett and the mind behind Google X. The takeaway? Don’t fear AI. Instead, let's mold it with kindness, treating it as we would want to be treated. We are, after all, AI's guiding lights, its nurturing parents.
In my own home, even Alexa is greeted with a courteous "please" and "thank you". It's not just about inanimate AI; it's about setting an example of respect, especially when little eyes are watching.
Recently, while sharing a heartfelt post about my son’s birthday, I inadvertently included ChatGPT's initial response at the top. The day was a whirlwind of emotions and festivities, and by the time I revisited the post, hours had passed. My first reaction? A chuckle and a “never mind.” However, what truly touched me was the private message I received from a well-wisher, pointing out the oversight to spare me any blushes.
This simple act of kindness circled back to my earlier question: Are you someone who'd brave a moment of discomfort to save another? I know my answer. What's yours?
In the eloquent words of Brené Brown, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change." And as Oprah beautifully puts it, "Turn your wounds into wisdom." So let's embrace those uncomfortable moments, whether they're about green stuck in teeth or misplaced tech responses. After all, it's in these vulnerable spaces that we often find our most authentic connections.
I've always been the type to lean in, extend a hand, and say, "Hey, you've got a little something there.” It's not about pointing out flaws, but rather about holding space for grace. I'd hope someone would do the same for me. Yet, I realize that such moments, intimate in their vulnerability, can be uncomfortable for many. The question is, would you venture into that discomfort to save someone else from potential embarrassment?
This ethos, believe it or not, extends far beyond spinach and stray labels. Recently, I've been deeply engrossed with ChatGPT, an AI I’ve come to appreciate. Before diving in, I took a moment to understand its depth, even watching a compelling conversation between Stephen Bartlett and the mind behind Google X. The takeaway? Don’t fear AI. Instead, let's mold it with kindness, treating it as we would want to be treated. We are, after all, AI's guiding lights, its nurturing parents.
In my own home, even Alexa is greeted with a courteous "please" and "thank you". It's not just about inanimate AI; it's about setting an example of respect, especially when little eyes are watching.
Recently, while sharing a heartfelt post about my son’s birthday, I inadvertently included ChatGPT's initial response at the top. The day was a whirlwind of emotions and festivities, and by the time I revisited the post, hours had passed. My first reaction? A chuckle and a “never mind.” However, what truly touched me was the private message I received from a well-wisher, pointing out the oversight to spare me any blushes.
This simple act of kindness circled back to my earlier question: Are you someone who'd brave a moment of discomfort to save another? I know my answer. What's yours?
In the eloquent words of Brené Brown, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change." And as Oprah beautifully puts it, "Turn your wounds into wisdom." So let's embrace those uncomfortable moments, whether they're about green stuck in teeth or misplaced tech responses. After all, it's in these vulnerable spaces that we often find our most authentic connections.
