What does it mean to be relaxed in your own skin? Its about expressing yourself in a distinct way they feels the most appropriate.

When we think about expressing ourselves, we automatically think of the superficial ways. How we dress. The way we wear our hair. The car we drive. If you wear jeans and a T-shirt one day and a business suit the next, what is it expressing about you? Is it that you are sophisticated one day and unsophisticated the next? Actually, your outer appearance expresses very little about who you truly are.

Instead, when we talk about expression, we should look at whats harder to change about ourselves. Our habits. The words we make use of . How we treat people. And, most importantly, how we express our spiritual gifts.

Ah, spiritual gifts. That elusive term. Its also known as your God-given talents or your calling. But how do you express those properly? We could each have similar gifts, but decide to express them differently. For example, lets say that 3 women are trying to figure out the best way to express their calling of teaching. One woman might become a high school teacher. Another might teach English in a foreign country. While another woman might home school her own children. Who is expressing their spiritual gifts properly? All of them. It is a personal decision.

You might say that the first two women are career women. Some women might look down on the woman who chose to be a stay-at-home mom. But is this fair? Does that mean that the way she is expressing her spiritual gifts is any less fulfilling or any less valid? No, not at all. The concern about others judging us is commonly what stops us from acquiring comfortable in our own skin. What if our family doesnt like what we are doing? What if our friends think the roadway were taking is weird?

Too many of us are embarrassed about what others will think of our spiritual journey. We end up sabotaging our own happiness. We are missing out on the nice opportunities that will open up once we get relaxed in our own skin.

As you begin reflecting on your spiritual gifts its nice to keep track of your progress. You might do this throughout the day or at the end of the day. You could add your thoughts to a journal or record them on a microcassette recorder.

Here are 3 questions to inquire of yourself to start the process of getting relaxed in your own skin:
1) Have I taken the time to identify my spiritual gifts? Get in touch with those inklings, those glimpses of what your calling might be. For example: 1) topics that you are continually drawn to, but you arent sure why; 2) what you do in your spare time that makes the day more enjoyable; 3) things that you do that make it effortless to lose track of time when youre doing them.

2) How am I expressing my spiritual gifts? Remember that there are many ways to express who you really are. You might try one way for a while and find that it isnt a nice fit. If something isnt working, dont be afraid to make changes at a pace that is appropriate for you. Expression of your gifts is so personal. No one has the right to tell you that you are doing it right or wrong.

3) Am I genuinely happy with my personal and professional life right now, in this moment? Are you just postponing your happiness until you accomplish your goals? Maybe youre even envious of what others have accomplished in their lives. Happiness isnt in the accomplishment. Its in the journey. If your desire in life is to become rich, you might be so focused on your current financial state that you are missing out on the lessons to be learned in the journey. If you are striving to express your spiritual gifts, life will seem almost effortless. You will meet the right all the people and find the right opportunities. That is where you will find your happiness.

I started out by mentioning the superficial ways we might express ourselves. Whats so interesting is that when you are expressing your spiritual gifts, everybody will notice a change in your appearance. They will initial mentioning how much happier you look or that you look younger. Theyll notice something different about you, but they wont be able to put their finger on it. You truly will be comfortable in your own skin -- inside and out.