The Gifted

I cringe when I hear people talk about “the gifted”. I have always felt that by categorizing some people (a minority) as gifted, we automatically create another category of “non-gifted”. This has very harmful effects on the latter as it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy – if children are labeled “non-gifted”, then they start to believe it and behave that way. We end up creating a small group of elite “gifted” and a large group of people low on self-esteem, confidence and achievement who hide or withhold their gifts because they feel they are not valued.

On a personal note, when I experience such a reaction, I always ask myself why – is it because my children have NOT been classified as gifted? How can that be, for I see, hear, touch and feel my children’s beautiful giftedness every day! Could I possibly be jealous? That’s my ego talking. That’s my ego listening to what others are saying despite all evidence to the contrary. That’s my ego tuning into the norms and values of society. That’s my ego taking me down a path of thinking what I know to be untrue of my children – and of all children.

And so I tune into my higher self, where something deep within me knows that each and every one on this planet is gifted at something.

I am reminded of this matter of “the gifted” by a quote I saw painted on the wall of a school in Trinidad: “All children are gifted; some just open their presents later”. I literally leaped for joy (if one can leap when riding in the back seat of a car!). Someone agrees with me! Someone actually recognizes that all they are teaching are gifted children! Someone recognizes that we are all presents waiting to be opened. What a beautiful thought!

Today, I invite all parents to recognize the gifts within your children. I invite all of us to recognize the gifts within ourselves. I invite all of us to recognize the gifts within each other. Every one of us is gifted. Every one of us is talented. Let us open to Spirit; let us shake off the labels of our past and find our special gifts today! Give your gifts and talents to the world!