Pacing Myself: Finding Calm in the Chaos Again (w/ help)

Oh, the irony… Just when I confidently release a blog post about finding calm in the chaos, life throws a curveball. A new change arrived, and I had to pivot—shifting my focus away from my passion project. One month later, here I am, picking the pages back up and continuing my blog, this time with a more manageable pace.

I have a habit of diving headfirst into new projects. When I’m excited about something, I go all in, sprinting at breakneck speed. And while that enthusiasm feels great initially, it often leads to burnout and unfinished work. If you’re wondering if I have ADHD, the answer is probably yes. I haven’t been formally diagnosed, but I’ve explored the possibility with my therapist and through personal research.

Through my studies in psychology, I’ve learned that while formal mental health diagnoses can be validating, they can also feel limiting. Instead of focusing on a label, I’ve found more value in discovering tools and strategies to help me navigate life. This approach has been a game-changer, especially when managing the ups and downs of my creative energy.

This pause gave me the chance to reflect. I realized I don’t have to conquer the world overnight—or my blog, for that matter. Small, consistent steps matter more than sprinting at the start. I’ve decided to approach my blog sustainably, focusing on the joy of writing and sharing my story rather than the pressure of deadlines. I love writing, and I want it to remain a source of fulfillment, not stress.

Another reason for my pause was to reflect on my methods and objectives. I’ve received feedback that I wanted to consider thoughtfully. One piece of feedback stings a bit, even though it’s positive: “You’re a great writer.” While I’m grateful for the compliment, it feels inauthentic because not every word is entirely my own. I realized I wanted to be honest about my methods before going further so I could continue to authentically show up in this space. The truth is, that I have strengths in writing and a love for it, but I also use AI to assist me. In this post, I’ll share how AI has become a helpful companion in my writing process.

Why I Decided to Use AI

Calling myself a writer has always felt natural because I spend time crafting posts, sharing stories, and reflecting deeply on the themes that matter most to me. But as I’ve poured more into my blog, I’ve sometimes felt a little inauthentic. Why? Because, technically, I haven’t written every single word on the page.

When I started using AI to support my writing, it wasn’t about replacing my voice. It was about creating a process that allowed me to focus more on the message and less on the mechanics. I wanted to ensure I was sharing thoughtful, impactful content while also balancing my full-time role and personal life. Over time, AI has become a helpful partner in this process.

How AI Fits into My Workflow

Using AI isn’t about handing over my writing—it’s about enhancing it. Here’s how it works for me:

  1. Brainstorming and Outlining: I start with the ideas I want to explore—often rooted in personal experiences or themes like psychological safety. I might jot down bullet points or tell AI what I’m aiming to communicate.
  2. Drafting and Refinement: Once I have a clear direction, AI helps organize my thoughts into a first draft. I will then adjust based on the direction I want to go and add or remove what feels right. This is where AI helps me structure my ideas and ensure clarity.
  3. Polishing the Tone: After the draft is ready, I spend time reviewing and tweaking it to ensure it reflects my voice. I rewrite sections, add personal anecdotes, and make sure the tone is conversational and approachable.
  4. Final Touches: Before publishing, I always do a final review to ensure everything feels authentic and aligns with my perspective.

Why AI Helps Me Create Better Content

One of the biggest benefits of using AI is the time it saves me. Instead of getting stuck on phrasing or structure, I can focus on the heart of my message—sharing insights and creating content that resonates. It allows me to bring my experiences and knowledge to the forefront without feeling bogged down by the technical aspects of writing.

It’s also helped me be more consistent. Writing a blog while working full-time and managing other commitments isn’t always easy. With AI, I can maintain the quality of my posts while honoring the energy I have to give.

Balancing Transparency with Authenticity

I know some might wonder if using AI takes away from my authenticity. I get it—that thought has crossed my mind too. But the truth is, my stories, insights, and passion for creating psychologically safe workplaces are entirely my own. AI is simply the tool that helps me communicate them more effectively. My goal in sharing my blog is not to win literary awards, but rather to inspire and influence in the realm of psychological safety. 

That’s why I’ve decided to be open about my process. Writing is still deeply personal to me. Even though I don’t write every single word, I spend time shaping every post so it reflects my voice and values. To me, that’s a big part of what being a writer is all about.

Why This Matters

Psychological safety and mental health are topics that deserve thoughtful conversation. Using AI helps me create space to share my experiences and connect with you. My goal is always to inspire and empower—not just through the words themselves, but through the meaning behind them.

It’s scary to come out and post this topic, but I also feel freer to be open about it. I believe there are many others in my position using similar tools. This is the world we live in now, and as much as AI has the potential for harm, it also has the potential to improve our lives in meaningful ways. When I started this blog, I saw AI as a collaborative tool—one that could help me work more effectively while staying true to my voice and vision. To stay true to my voice, I also want to be open and authentic about my process. 

I’ll be back with my series on psychological safety soon (with no strict expectations or deadlines, but a commitment to continuing in a manageable way 😊).