Spontaneity, Refresh and ChatGPT

It’s been two years; I’ve been in Boston for two years. There are moments when I have disbelief. I’m still not sure what got into me, but somewhere in my retirement gap year, I chose to move and within three months, I was in Boston. It definitely fits the definition of spontaneity. As I was walking home from an evening with friends on Friday night, I took a moment to marvel at my new life.

Being spontaneous means acting or occurring without prior planning or premeditation. It’s about embracing opportunities and engaging in activities on a whim, without a set schedule or detailed plan. It implies a willingness to deviate from planned activities and be flexible in the moment.

Hmmmm, “without planning or premeditation.” Do you ever get a text with a link to something on social media and the next thing you know it’s 45 minutes later and you’re still scrolling. That eerily fits the definition of spontaneous and by most accounts, this is not a good thing, but a time suck.

Over the last week, I have considered my advocacy of AI and how it can be useful. I’ve had conversations that writers can use ChatGPT not to create, but to enhance, Here was an opportunity. I know there must be some nuance between spontaneity and scrolling, so I asked ChatGPT : What’s the difference between being spontaneous and the a time suck rabbit hole of scrolling social media:

That’s a really thoughtful question — they can look similar on the surface (“I’ll just do this for a bit because I feel like it”), but the difference comes down to intent, energy, and outcome:
Being spontaneous
Has a spark of intention behind it — you’re following curiosity, inspiration, or joy in the moment.
Usually feels energizing or refreshing afterward, even if it wasn’t planned.
Can lead to new experiences, creativity, or meaningful connections (e.g., deciding on a whim to take a walk, try a recipe, or call a friend).
The time you spend feels chosen rather than taken.
A time-suck rabbit hole (like social media scrolling)
Starts with “just for a minute” but pulls you in passively.
Often leaves you drained, restless, or guilty afterward.
Rarely adds much value beyond fleeting distraction.
Feels more like time slipped away from you rather than something you actively chose.
A useful check-in question is:
👉 Am I choosing this because it excites or refreshes me, or am I slipping into it because it’s easy and numbs me?

Mildred (AKA ChatGPT)

I like it, the deeper dive with descriptions of how you actually feel when you realize an hour has gone by. This weekend, friends from Denver were in town, I was spontaneous and threw out the planned Sunday for an adventure. Yes, there was the meaningful connections, new experiences and some creativity.

This week, consider spontaneity; are you spontaneous? During the week can you consider the check in question from Mildred: Am I choosing this because it excites or refreshes me, or am I slipping into it because it’s easy and numbs me?