Facing Change When Everything Feels New
Stepping Into the great unknown: My Story about Growing Forward
I've been meaning to get my April newsletter out for some time, but as John Lennon wisely said, life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.
So here we are, a few days past all things April, and well even though its May, I showed up! 🤭)
Building My New Normal
Full disclosure: I've never felt more discombobultaed (Gosh, I love that word).
Yes I am excited, BUT I am also a little scared.
My work and skills have changed irrevocably through studying GenAI & NoCode, and I'm now stepping into an entirely new ME.
This journey I have been on, has been more of a pilgrimage at times, and that has meant letting go of old habits and algorithms that no longer serve me.
So please join me as I share my thoughts about GenAI, being human, and of course wellness.
And don’t forget to drop your weary shoulders for the next 5 mins, and come sip on some chamomile tea with me!
The more I get into AI, the more I find myself stilled by the quiet majesty of being human.😍
We can build a neural network from scratch.
We know how it learns.
We understand the code.
But we still can’t explain where a thought comes from.
We still don’t know how memory truly works.
And we cannot, even now, build a human from scratch.
Bill Bryson puts it simply:
“The recipe for a human being is surprisingly modest… But it’s the way those things are assembled that makes us miraculous.”
We’re made of carbon, calcium, phosphorus, and copper
and yet, we’re something they can’t become.
Because as intelligent as this age may be, the greatest mystery is still the one that breathes!
AI: A Moving Target ( a cool way to think about it)
“The definition of AI is a moving target.” (Full source from The People's Guide to AI.)
Also, Ethan Mollick expressed a similar thought in one of his recent letters:
AI demands our mindful awareness, moving faster than our human eyeballs can follow.
Its taken me close to four years, to accept that my brain can't process data as swiftly as an LLM. (much to my disgust)🙄
Through it all, I have no regrets since beginning this continous learning journey.
As it’s been more than tech, this is about me following my passion, growing into what could be seen as an “AI Project Manager” and creating service offerings that light up my soul.
Sweet Stillness Retreat in Cape Town
One of those projects is my love of all things wellness and yoga.
I’m stoked to announce my IRL Wellness Yogic Getaway happening this November in Cape Town.
This wouldn't have been possible without the insatiable curiosity of discovering all things NoCode & GenAI.
So what can you expect?
Expect soothing yoga, conscious breathwork, and nourishing plant-based meals prepared by yours truly. [Booking details here!]
Seeking Your Book Recommendations
I’d love your AI book suggestions, and without being demanding, I am looking for something similar to Ethan Mollick’s "Co-Intelligence" or Nigel Toon’s "How AI Thinks."
You are welcome to DM me :)
Online AI Bootcamp by Dr. Sabba Quidwa
Sabba's online course has genuinely blown me away.
Perfect, if you're into audio learning, as her resources cater for it all!
From helpful GPT tools, to a downloadable workbook, as well as her brilliant book recommendations, that she shares so willingly.
Sabba reminds us that: “We're not overwhelmed by the hours in the day, we're overwhelmed by inefficiencies within those hours!”
How right she is.
Community Workshop Alert!
I'm nexet level excited to host a workshop on my three favorite AI search engines this coming Friday, 9th May:
Kevin Kelly Reminder to Stay Grounded
I'm a huge Kevin Kelly fan and loved his recent conversation with Dan Shipper CEO of Every ( one of my favourite AI Letters out there)
Kelly reminds us to balancing the tech with the human habits like woodworking or painting or whatever it is you are drawn too.
Here’s a cool reminder: for every AI course, spend some time outdoors, feet on grass, reconnecting with the earth. [YT conversation here.]
Courage Through Discomfort
Inspired by Johan Sanei’s powerful message: “Choosing to sit with discomfort instead of bypassing it.”
I’ve been sitting with discomfort, knowing it's essential for my own inner growth.
Afterall, Rejection and hearing “no” bring us closer to a meaningful “YES.”
That does not mean its always easy.
What it means for me, is that I am willing. Let me leave you with a thought that gives me the goosies, its so inspiring.
“If we’re serious about building lives grounded in clarity, curiosity, and resilience, we must upgrade our definition of courage!”
Face the uncomfortable, shed the old, and welcome the vibrant new.
P.S. An Inspiring Read
Recently read Ozan Varol’s incredible book, "Awaken Your Genius," full of wisdom about transformation.
Let me leave you with this beautiful anecdote, from his book.
The Snake symbolizes transition.
Unlike humans, they must shed their skin, a difficult but necessary process, IF they are to survive.
Like snakes, let’s bravely shed the old US, to reveal our New selves.
Until the next time,
Blessings Always
Nix Good
Cape Town