Anyway- thank you for sharing and helping me to work through this a bit more.

I plan to listen to this later (I'm busy juggling multiple projects, of course!) I recently discovered my "giftedness," while searching the Internet, and it all stemmed from a desire to find information about what was wrong with me for having so many interests and not being able to choose; for changing jobs out of sheer boredom, etc. I kept thinking there must be a "group" out there somewhere for me, and that's what led me to all the gifted sites. What a revelation! I'm in my 50s and now everything makes complete sense–my childhood, my relationships, underachievement in high school. It feels so good to finally realize that I'm not neurotic or crazy. Anyway, wanted to let you know that I'm grateful to find yours and other sites that support and understand the problems we face.

I do the same thing, only on different topics. I do get fired up over issues of injustice or unfairness, but I also get fired up whenever someone voices an interest in something that I've spent time considering (of course, there are many subjects). Lately, I've begun to try and notice when I do this, not to censor myself, but to try and examine what's going on. For instance, I've noticed that this often happens when I've in a car with one or two other people. I've noticed, as well, that the person often will respond with a look of surprise at my sudden mood uplift. It's as though they were just tossing out a subject for conversation, and suddenly they're overrun by my excitement. My wife, who is coming to understand my giftedness with me, is actually amused when this happens now. People who don't know that I'm gifted often seem to be somewhere between confused and bemused by the exuberance. What do other gifted folks do when you find yourself in these situations? Can't imagine what the experience might be like if the other person were gifted and interested in the same subject. What would that look like?

Stephen
Portland, OR

Can't tell you how glad I am to have your podcasts back! This last episode surely did ring a bell for me.
But I was also wondering about another "intensity" issue.

Now, I'm not sure if this is something experienced by others ut…

I also have trouble containing my exuberance and passion when topics topics come up about which I am extremely enthusiastic or excited about in a positive way – not necessarily injustices. For me, these conversations might include ideas for creative projects, passion for holistic living or the inspiration for a new invention or business idea.

Somehow, when a "positive hot button" is pressed I often "hijack" the conversation, inadvertently overwhelming others. Just wondering if you you've ever experienced this yourself. Any thoughts?

Thanks for all of your time and effort. I listen to every single pod cast!

Lori

It's interesting to see how the characteristics of giftedness are played out when you are talking specifically about it, and through your blog. Thank you for sharing!

Thanks for sharing, Melony.

I hope you do well conquering your fears! I'd love to hear progress.

ESV

Coincidentally, Emerson is credited with one of my favorite quotes and I have it hanging in my kitchen where I see it several times each day:

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

Blessings to you in 2010!