The concept of being ‘at home in one’s own skin’ is an interesting one; I think there needs to be a distinction between being at home in ourselves (having a keen awareness of our strengths, weaknesses, gifts and limitations) and being comfortable with ourselves (acknowledging the aforementioned attributes but having no desire to pursue further growth and development – choosing instead to resign ourselves to the life-commandment ‘that’s just who I am’.

Being at home in one’s skin can be construed by some as being self-assured, overly confident, aloof and sometimes even arrogant – usually by those who, unbeknownst to them, are not at home in their own skin.

My personal observation has been that often the external affirmations of others are a reflection of our internal attributes which can do nothing but make themselves visible to those we share our lives with simply because of who we are. 

In speaking of hospitality, Nouwen writes that ‘…the host must feel at home in [their] own house…’ and that ‘…a free and fearless place…’ must be created for the unexpected visitor (The Wounded Healer p89, 1972). 

When we feel at home in our own house, when we are comfortable in our own skin, it allows another to enter our space and become a recipient of our hospitality whilst at the same time creating an opportunity for them to examine in a safe and hospitable environment the degree to which they are at home within themselves or otherwise.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14 NIV84)