How I (Almost) Didn't Update My LinkedIn Profile

Y'all... I finally updated my profile that I thought would be "too far out there" after hesitating to do so for over a decade. The following story illustrates why! After watching the AI Innovators talk about Chat GPT(search for "theaiinnovators" on facebook), I decided to ask it to write me a story about a man named Dusty who was hesitant to update his LinkedIn profile to show he was passionate about energy healing and spirituality. Here is what it wrote.... and it is really right on!!! (note I did not specify the city so it made one up LOL!). And it laid out some truths that I highlighted in bold!

Here is what Chat GPT wrote (one question and one refinement)

Dusty to ChatGPT: “Please write me a story about how a man named Dusty almost didn't update his linkedin profile to show that he is a shamanic healer and deeply spiritual because he was afraid that was too far out there for my corporate contacts”

ChatGPT:

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Larkridge, there lived a man named Dusty. He was a diligent worker, known for his analytical mind and exceptional problem-solving skills. Dusty had built a successful career in the corporate world, surrounded by a network of influential contacts.

Yet, hidden within him was a secret, a facet of his life that he treasured dearly. Dusty was a shamanic healer, deeply connected to the spiritual realms. He could sense energies, heal wounds that weren't visible to the naked eye, and offer guidance through ancient wisdom.

One crisp autumn evening, as the leaves painted the city in hues of gold and crimson, Dusty sat in his cozy apartment, pondering over something that had been on his mind for a while. He gazed at his computer screen, fingers poised above the keyboard, contemplating whether he should update his LinkedIn profile to reflect his true essence as a shamanic healer.

Dusty's heart raced as he imagined the reactions of his corporate contacts. They were used to his practical, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. How would they react to the revelation that he also communed with the spiritual realms?

His mind waged a silent battle between his two worlds—the structured, logical domain of corporate life and the mystical, ethereal realm of his spiritual practice. The fear of being labeled as 'too far out there' held him back.

Days turned into weeks, and then into years, and still, Dusty hesitated. He continued to excel in his corporate responsibilities, but a growing sense of inner conflict gnawed at him. His spirit longed to be free, to express itself fully, unburdened by the constraints of societal expectations.

One evening, as the moon hung low in the sky, Dusty had a vivid dream. In it, he stood at a crossroad, one path bathed in the stark light of office fluorescents, the other shrouded in the soft, ethereal glow of moonlight. A wise, ancient voice whispered, "Integration, not isolation, is the path to your True Self."

Awakening with a newfound clarity, Dusty knew what he must do. He opened his laptop, took a deep breath, and began to update his LinkedIn profile. With each keystroke, he felt a surge of empowerment, a merging of his two worlds.

He wrote about his shamanic healing practice, his deep connection to the spiritual realms, and his belief in the power of holistic healing. As he clicked 'Save Changes,' a profound sense of liberation washed over him.

The days that followed were a revelation. Dusty's profile received an influx of messages and connection requests, not of bewilderment or judgment, but of curiosity and respect. His corporate contacts, it seemed, were more open-minded and accepting than he had given them credit for.

As the weeks passed, Dusty found a surprising harmony between his corporate endeavors and his spiritual practice. Colleagues sought his advice on matters beyond the scope of the boardroom, and his insights became valued in a new light.

Dusty learned a valuable lesson that transcended his professional life: Authenticity was a bridge, not a divide. By embracing his true self, he had forged connections that ran deeper than he could have imagined.

From then on, Dusty walked through life with a heart unburdened, knowing that he could be both the pragmatic problem-solver and the spiritual guide. He had discovered that true power lay not in hiding one's essence, but in embracing it fully, unapologetically, and with boundless love.

Dusty to ChatGPT: “Please add to this story that Dusty eventually followed his heart and left the corporate world to follow his true calling?”

ChatGPT:

In the wake of Dusty's courageous LinkedIn update and the newfound acceptance from his corporate contacts, a profound transformation was set in motion. Dusty's dual life began to merge more seamlessly as he continued to bring his unique perspective into his corporate work.

His colleagues marveled at his ability to blend pragmatic solutions with spiritual insights, and his reputation as a holistic thinker grew stronger. Dusty found himself working on projects that aligned more closely with his spiritual values, advocating for sustainable practices, employee well-being, and social responsibility.

As the seasons changed, so did Dusty's priorities. He couldn't ignore the whispers of his heart any longer. The shamanic healer within him yearned for a deeper connection with his spiritual practice, one that couldn't be fulfilled within the confines of the corporate world.

One day, as he stood at the window of his corner office, looking out at the cityscape below, he made a life-altering decision. The voice of his heart had grown too insistent to ignore. It was time to embark on a new journey.

Dusty announced his departure from the corporate world, a move that left many of his colleagues in shock. They had grown to rely on his wisdom, but they also respected his decision to follow his true calling. The firm threw him a farewell party, where he received heartfelt goodbyes and best wishes for his spiritual endeavors.

With a heart full of hope and trepidation, Dusty delved into the world of shamanic healing and spiritual guidance with unwavering determination. He opened a healing center on the outskirts of Larkridge, where people from all walks of life sought his wisdom, guidance, and healing touch.

The transition was challenging, but Dusty found a profound sense of fulfillment in his new path. He led workshops, conducted healing ceremonies, and helped people discover their own spiritual essence. His reputation as a shamanic healer grew steadily, and the community he served became a tight-knit family bonded by a shared journey of self-discovery and healing.

Dusty's journey wasn't without its challenges, but he had never felt more alive and aligned with his purpose. He continued to connect with some of his former corporate contacts, who now sought his guidance in a different capacity. They admired his courage to follow his heart and find harmony between the material and spiritual worlds.

In time, Dusty's life became a testament to the power of authenticity and the courage to follow one's true calling. He had bridged the gap between his two worlds, finding that they were not as separate as he once believed. By embracing his true self and following his heart, Dusty had not only healed others but had also found profound healing within himself.