Story of Giftedness – A Healing Mandala
Awareness of an individual’s abilities and needs from childhood to adulthood is critical for development – actualization. Yes, all of the needs in the hierarchy, as outlined by Maslow, are important. Thus, understanding, support, opportunities, strategies and means to express are necessary throughout the lifespan.
If a child does not receive the support and resources to develop, where does that leave the adult? If the child is missed then what is offered for the adult as s/he continues the journey of life? Choice to know who you are and who you can become requires support and resources.
A story of giftedness belongs to the complete lifespan. Understanding who you are and your make up; overcoming the challenges and expectations; developing abilities, gifts, strengths and weaknesses; expressing with exuberance the core of your being; and connecting within and without are all part of the story of a life with giftedness.
Without the support and guidance many children become Missing In Action Adults – those that have accepted mediocrity or dropped out. We need to provide opportunities for individuals to ask and learn about the missing pieces to the puzzle of their experiences. There are times other explanations have been provided, such as; misdiagnosis, laziness, lack of motivation, underachiever. Through increasing awareness, sharing our experiences, offering resources to individuals, groups, organizations and professionals we can create connections and supportive environments for the struggling gifted.
Throughout 2013 “How To” Life Consultants will be offering free teleclasses once a month on dilemmas multi-talented adults experience. Blog posts will be shared on specific dynamics of being multi-talented with tools and celebrations for exploring and developing one’s gifts. We encourage you to engage with us and share your questions and encounters.
There are various boards, forums, and facebook pages that have ongoing conversations about what it is like to be a gifted adult. Some are listed here on the Resources page. Join in the conversations and explore the creative experience of being a gifted adult.
We are preparing for International Year of Giftedness and Creativity – 2013 with the culminating event – ‘The Soul of Giftedness’ World Conference in New Zealand 2013. Keep up with all the happenings at International Year of Giftedness and Creativity. Help give choice to each gifted child across the lifespan to each gifted adult by increasing awareness, providing information, sharing opportunities to explore and develop. Celebrate Giftedness!
Thank you for this post – so many people question why we need to identify our gifted kids as being gifted (especially in the homeschooling world!). I argue that we need to know, because being gifted affects everything and that understanding that as a parent helps you understand and provide for your child.