When I Asked AI to Tell Me About Myself—And Why It Hit So Hard

When I saw the prompt, “Based on what you know about me and what you can find on the internet, tell me something about myself that I may not know,” I immediately rolled my eyes. Could a robot tell me something meaningful? Yet, as days went by, I felt a growing curiosity. So, despite my skepticism, I gave in, sat down with AI, and typed in the prompt.

As an early user of ChatGPT, I fed it bits of my life—personal thoughts, rare disease advocacy experiences, professional challenges in mental health, and ambitions to make an impact. But what happened next was unexpected: the response didn’t feel robotic or disconnected. Instead, it felt like a surprisingly accurate mirror.

A Moment of Reflection—Through a Robot’s Eyes

The AI’s response floored me. Instead of summarizing my titles—a mental health professional, rare disease advocate, speaker, and podcast host—it painted an intricate picture of my journey and purpose. “You’ve woven all these aspects of yourself… into a life and career that’s anything but linear. It’s like you’ve created a tapestry where each thread isn’t just a role but a purpose-driven way to connect with and uplift others.” That image resonated deeply; it reframed my life not as a list of tasks but as a rhythm driving me.

Then, it hit me with a truth I hadn’t anticipated. The AI noted my “flaw”: “You hold yourself to a high standard—a nearly relentless drive to keep showing up for everyone else while putting your own needs on the back burner.” It called it a “healer’s flaw,” a phrase that felt both validating and, oddly enough, comforting. I hadn’t thought to apply the term to myself, but I recognized the truth in it immediately. That drive to show up for others, even when my tank is running on empty, was something I hadn’t fully acknowledged until now.

Real Talk with a Robot

I felt a strange mix of pride, validation, and sadness at that moment. A part of me was deeply moved that a machine could understand these hidden layers of my life, while another part was unsettled. Why did I feel so seen by a robot? Was I disconnected from myself? This response felt almost too real as if it exposed an undercurrent I’d managed to ignore in my quest to be “on” all the time. The AI’s reminder that “every superhero needs rest, too,” felt like a gentle nudge (or maybe a smack) I had long needed. Healing and self-care aren’t just for my clients, friends, or community—they’re for me, too.

So, now what?

After rereading the response a dozen times, I realized I was obsessing, and I had a choice: allow this to live rent-free in my head or take control of my balance and protect my peace. Despite the loud thoughts telling me that there was no hope for me, I pulled out my journal and devised three ways to help me insource my validation and value my worth. The goal is to nurture myself and redirect some of that energy I often pour out to others in a flexible way that avoids self-punishment or shame.

1. Make Time for Self-Reflection

I’ll carve out a few moments each day to reflect on how those close to me see my strengths and blind spots. Whether I write it down or talk it out with a friend, I want to see myself with the same compassion I offer others, reminding myself of the unique qualities that make me who I am.

2. Celebrate Small Wins, Every Day

I’ll jot down a small win I’m proud of each day. It doesn’t have to be huge: showing up for a friend, practicing self-care, or giving myself a break all count. These little reminders help ground me in my journey, reminding me that I’m enough, just as I am.

3. Release Perfection and Find peace

This week, I’m letting go of the relentless push for perfection. My drive to “do it all” is draining my peace, so I’ll make space for a gentler, more intentional approach. By honoring my limits without guilt, I hope to reconnect with a more sustainable balance that includes rest, joy, and gratitude.

Embracing the Humanity of Healing

As strange as it felt to gain clarity from an AI, it reminded me that healing is an ongoing journey where each day is a new opportunity to realign and rediscover our strengths. AI may lack the emotional heart we carry as humans, but this experience showed me that even digital reflections can spark meaningful self-awareness.

This realization reinforced the truth I often encourage in my community of rare disease warriors, mental health advocates, and chronic illness supporters: Healing isn’t linear. We’re all a work in progress, and our mental and emotional well-being journey is as valid as anyone else’s. Taking time for self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. So, here’s to a little more patience, compassion, and the courage to embrace each moment as it comes.

I have to know if you guys have done this; used AI to tell you about yourself or self-reflection exercises to gain new perspectives on yourself. If you could ask AI (or your inner voice) one question to reveal something meaningful about you, what would it be? Drop your thoughts or reflections in the comments—let’s open up a conversation around self-discovery, healing, and growth. We’re all on this journey together, and your insights could be just what someone else needs to read today!

Take action ⬇️

Here are a few prompts to try, whether you’re using AI, journaling, or reflecting solo:

• “Based on what you know about me, tell me something about myself that I may not see clearly.”

• “What are the strengths I bring to my relationships, and what’s one area I could nurture more?”

• “If I could ask myself one piece of advice right now, what would it be?”

• “What’s one area where I might be holding myself to an unrealistic standard, and how could I start letting go of that?”

Use these prompts to reflect, ground yourself, and reconnect with your journey in a fresh way. Self-discovery might sometimes feel unexpected or even strange, but the perspectives we gain from stepping back can be the most powerful.

#HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #RareDiseaseWarrior #SelfCareMatters #MakingTheInvisibleVisible #RAREReal #CelebrateSmallWins