The Gifted Children

One of the things that amazes me most about the children who are challenged today is that they often have gifts in direct proportion to the challenges that they have faced. Restlessness can become drive and ambition later in life. Problems with authority can lead a person to become a leader or entrepreneur.

Did you know that Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin and entrepreneur with a net worth of over 5 billion dollars was dyslexic, and dropped out of high school at age 16? His dissatisfaction and frustration led to the creation of entirely new industries.

Difficulty processing certain senses can lead to heightened other senses, making beautiful art and music. Individuals who suffer from health problems as children often develop incredible empathy as a result; and can become incredible friends, therapists, teachers, and healers."

Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" – Benjamin Franklin

When I was a child, I often felt alone as well. I harbored a deep feeling that I didn’t quite fit in, and that others didn’t understand me. I remember how I used to have a special spot where I would ride my bike to at night, where I would think about the big questions. While other children played, I struggled with the understanding of life and death (something that I think only a child with a very sick parent can understand). I made up complex math games that I played in my head. Apathy in high school was transformed into an insatiable appetite for learning once I found my calling.

It took me decades to recognize my own gifts, which is something that I hope our children’s generation does not have to go through. There is a joy and beauty in life that can be seen when someone is practicing their gifts, and nowhere is that more evident than when seen as the joy on a child’s face. The joy, fulfillment, and accomplishment that can be seen when a child scores their first goal, gets an A on a test, or the happy laughter that fills the room when they are surrounded by friends are experiences that every parent wants more of.

To experience more of that joy, we first need to tackle what isn’t working. The challenges that our children face in today’s world need to be handled head-on and in their entirety. Ignoring what is going on is a recipe for disaster, even though it is a natural response to become overwhelmed by the complexity of these issues and want to throw your hands up in the air.

Despite the environmental toxins, the food sensitivities, epigenetic problems, vertebral subluxations, and physical traumas- one thing is for sure; and that is that our children are incredibly resilient. Their bodies possess an innate wisdom that the brightest scientists on the planet will never be able to match, and these children will surprise and amaze us. We just need to give them a little help, and remove the obstructions to their optimal expression.