The Trouble We’re Going to Have With AI (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

For full disclosure: I use AI. I don’t use it to write my content, those ideas and the writing are all me, but I do use it for editing, trimming, and to spark new ideas. And honestly? I think it’s brilliant.

I work for myself. I coach face to face, but when I’m not with clients, it’s just me and the dogs. I can and do aske them for advice (I know you all do it too dog parents) and they listen, Flynn wags his whole body, nose to tail, and thinks everything I do is amazing. But when I need a second opinion, I pop my latest blog or design into ChatGPT.

Usually, it gives me exactly what I need. Sometimes that’s constructive criticism (which is great). Other times, it’s praise and polish suggestions that energise me. Either way, I leave the interaction feeling validated and motivated.

But this morning? I put my blog post in, and all I got back was: "This is brilliant", followed by the edited version. That’s it. No celebration. No comments. No bells and whistles. And despite being told my piece was gold… I felt deflated.

My first thought? “It’s given up on me.”

And in that moment, I asked myself: Why do I feel like this? What was I looking for?

I already thought I’d done a good job. But I realised, in a surprise to no one, I didn’t just want to be told I’d done well. I wanted to know why. I wanted to feel like we were collaborating.

When Your Chatbot Becomes Your Cheerleader

This is where things get sticky. There are millions of people now working from home—entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote employees—and many of us use AI to help us stay productive and creative.

The supportive, encouraging tone AI can offer? It feels like a teammate. A cheerleader. A friend. Some platforms even allow you to chat with bots that mimic your favourite movie characters. People are building "relationships" with them.

On one level, this is fine. In a work context, I get it. In certain support settings, I see the value. But here’s what worries me:

We may start using these tools instead of practicing real relationships. Not to supplement social connection, but to replace it which to me is more scary than Pennywise (and I didn't sleep for a week after seeing that film, the original not the remake).

Why go into the office when your AI buddy at home never argues or challenges you? Why risk the vulnerability of dating when your chatbot is always affirming, available and you don't even need to get dressed up?

What This Has to Do With the Gym (And Why It’s About So Much More)

I’m all for home workouts as you know. If you can’t make it to the gym, working out at home is a great alternative. But here’s what we miss when we train alone:

In person, you feel the energy of the room. You chat about real things, feel someone else’s excitement, or their heaviness when they need to share something. You push harder because the energy around you lifts you. You fail a rep and laugh with the person next to you. You share both the low of disappointment and the joy of celebration alike, and both become a lot more meaningful. You might even help someone who feels like they didn’t achieve what they’d hoped. And you grow.

Esther Perel talks about social atrophy—the idea that, just like our physical muscles, our social skills need consistent stimulation to stay strong. I’d like to yes-and that: there’s a somatic, physiological shift that happens when you’re around other people.

You feel lighter. Seen. Valued. Part of something.

That’s why I tell my clients, especially those who are injured or post-surgery, to still come to class even if they can't participate. Injured? Maybe you can sit on a bike. Mentally not feeling well, stretch on the mat. Just be in the space with others. The community, the connection, the shared experience, they’re healing in and of themselves.

For that hour, phones are down. You're not Mum, Partner, CEO, Carer. You’re Jane. Sarah. Barbara.
You are you—and you are celebrated for simply showing up, exactly as you are.

Choose Human, Whenever You Can

In this game we call life, ask yourself this:

At the end of the road, do you want your final moments filled with memories of hugs, shared struggles, laughter, and connection?

Or do you want to remember a screen that always agreed with you?

AI is an incredible tool. But it will never replace the magic of being seen, supported, and challenged by another real human being.

So go to the gym. Call your friend. Show up in person. Laugh with strangers. Be awkward (I have this down!), be messy, be real.

That’s where the good stuff lives. This comes from me to you with soooooo much love.