The Gifted Life

Friend & Family

Gifted individuals often struggle with hidden social challenges. Those identified as gifted are typically acutely aware of social norms and may not appear to have challenges in social settings. However, it is not uncommon for their inner world to be plagued by anxiety. Gifted people are usually highly sensitive and often perfectionistic. These character traits are typically anxiety-producing; that anxiety can have a crippling impact on relationships.

These 3 rules can help gift individuals avoid social pitfalls:

  • Practice Grace: Most gifted people maintain very high expectations for themselves; always attempting perfection. Perfection is impossible to achieve. Holding oneself to an impossible standard will inevitably result in feelings of shame. Nothing good comes from shame. Embrace grace, practice it daily and watch how you thrive.
  • A step at a time: Gifted individuals are usually one step ahead of others. The ability to correctly anticipate the end result can be both empowering and immobilizing. No one truly knows the future. Focusing on the present, on the beauty of each moment, removes fear and invites joy.
  • Live soulfully: Accomplishment often comes easily to gifted individuals. This makes it almost natural to build your identity around awards, recognition, and achievements. Remember people don’t visit with your accomplishments they visit with you. Stay in touch with what lights up your soul and remember to share that with those you love.

Education

Navigating the school environment as a gifted individual can be challenging. Providing the right support and academic stimulation is essential for gifted students to thrive. Gifted services vary widely across the United States. However, many school districts are mandated by local authorities to identify gifted students and provide them gifted education services. One of the greatest challenges for the gifted child is self-management of emotion and behavior.

The DREAM approach helps to insure mind-body balance and promotes this self-management.

  • Diet: Eat well, food is fuel
  • Rest: Offer your mind rest, try to sleep 6-8 hours a day
  • Exercise: Move, feel, stretch, enjoy
  • Activity Outdoors: The earth is beautiful
  • Mindfulness: Focus on your body at the moment and practice gratitude