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There are certain
qualities of the gifted experience that
transcend
age, nationality, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic
status, occupation, interests or talent domain: good
problem solving, abstract reasoning, thriving on
challenge, curiosity, vivid imagination, intensity,
sensitivity, complexity, perfectionism. Gifted
people not only think differently, they feel
differently. Giftedness is a different way of being, and
these differences affect one throughout the lifespan.
There is so much confusion about the meaning of
this term, and so much denial, that most gifted people
reject the notion of being gifted.
If you are a
gifted person, the greatest gift
you can give to your children, your students,
your clients, your loved ones, and yourself,
is the appreciation of your own giftedness.
Appreciation begins with
recognition. What are the characteristics of giftedness?
- Do you have a passion for justice?
- Are you perfectionistic?
- Are you highly sensitive?
- Do you take on more responsibilities than
anyone you know?
- Do you have gifted friends and relatives?
- Do you have a great sense of humor?
- Are you perceptive-seeing through the image
to the reality?
- Are you intuitive?
- Has your honesty gotten you into trouble?
- Do people often seek your advice on their
personal problems?
If these characteristics fit you, your first job
is to understand yourself, then you will be a good role
model to others in your life who need your help.
Consciousness of the meaning of giftedness is oxygen to
the Soul: you need to put on your own oxygen mask before
you help others put on theirs. (from the
Gifted Development Center)
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