The other day, someone asked me, ‘what are your gifts?’  I went blank.  I know I have skills and talents and I’m successful, my most standards…but what are my gifts?  Is there some one or two things that I can do that really stands out?  that I’m ‘known’ for?  that drives me or attracts others to me?  I’m creative, although I never thought I was, I’m a good listener, I’m smart, I have a good sense of humor, I’m good at helping others identify their gifts.  So then, it occurred to me, my gift is my heart.  I am happiest and most effective when I am connecting with others, I mean deeply connecting, contributing to them in a way that makes them shine a little brighter.  Then I got a severe case of the “always”.  I said to myself, I don’t always come from my heart.  If you asked my kids, they wouldn’t see it that way, and some of my friends and members of some of my communities, or my family.  But, I also realized that when I’m not using my the gift of my heart, when I’m coming from anger or fear or insecurity,  I am less satisfied, less fulfilled and less effective.   I’m lucky, because I get to do work that utilizes my gifts.  What are your gifts?  What are you doing that puts those gifts to their best use?  Recognizing and embracing your gifts can help you make changes that are aligned with your true self and lead to greater happiness.