Giftedness is a way of experiencing that is aware, sensitive, intense, empathic, curious, complex, intuitive, imaginative, creative, excited about ideas, committed to the greater good.

Gifted women and girls are often discouraged from letting their light shine and their brilliance come through. This is a pledge to be unique, to be courageous and to grow brighter because the world needs you.

On October 8, 2021, Mayor De Blasio announced his plan to phase out the New York City Gifted and Talented Program. This places all gifted programs in America at risk. Abolishing gifted programs widens the gap between haves and have-nots. Eliminating gifted programs is the highest form of discrimination, suggesting that under-represented populations cannot BE gifted.

“Gifted” has many different connotations. Most people think it is about high achievement in school. In my view, that is academic talent. Gifted children may or may not excel in school, and academically talented students may or may not be gifted.

To differentiate the concept of giftedness from “success”—in school or in life—I have come up with the notion of Gifted Plus to signify the inner experience of giftedness.

Gifted Development Center is well represented at the 68th Annual Convention of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), which is taking place in Denver this year from November 11th - 14th. The convention will be held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort near the Denver airport. Live streaming of the event is also planned.

“Gifted” has many different connotations. Most people think it is about high achievement in school. In my view, that is academic talent. Gifted children may or may not excel in school, and academically talented students may or may not be gifted.

To differentiate the concept of giftedness from “success”—in school or in life—I have come up with the notion of Gifted Plus to signify the inner experience of giftedness.

Most of us have a harsh voice inside our heads that chastises us when we “make mistakes.” It is quick to judge us, often calling us names. “That was stupid!” The power this voice has over us increases our anxiety. In this era of mindfulness, we yearn for inner peace. We are aware that the more inner peace we attain, the more peace there will be in the world. Despite this awareness, we allow our critical inner voice to remain unchecked.

We have greater awareness today of the harmful effects of teasing and bullying, but there is one area of our lives where it remains unchecked: within ourselves. Even the most sensitive and compassionate among us, who would never intentionally hurt another, do not think twice about mercilessly berating themselves. Let us to examine this accepted practice.