essay about luxurious life

A luxury lifestyle begins within.

Having a cadre of servants waiting on you hand and foot might be nice, but it would probably stale after awhile. When considering a lifestyle, you have to think beyond the moment and consider all possibilities. It’s more than just choosing a nice jacket to wear or springing for that flashy car. No, a true luxury lifestyle has little to do with the material things around you, and everything to do with your attitude. 

Therefore, the first ingredient to luxury is the sort of confidence that comes with being comfortable with yourself. Before you adorn yourself with the trappings of success and wealth, you need to know how to inhabit your own skin. Luckily, everything after this step is easy. 

How to Make Your Luxury Lifestyle Last:

Once in touch with not just the person you are, but also the person you hope to be, it's time to build your luxury lifestyle around you. Disabuse yourself of the idea that simply surrounding yourself with expensive finery will do the trick. Following the guidelines below can help you make the right choices to live the life of your dreams.

1. Set Your Goals.

Credit: Artichoke Ltd., Flickr

You could be living in a palatial estate on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but if you never wanted to be there in the first place it could feel like a prison. Just as you have to know who you are before building your luxury lifestyle, you have to know what it is you want from life.

Do you want to live in the heart of the city? Do you want a big house on land removed from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis? Do you want a fast, flashy car you can open up on empty highways? Or maybe a more sensible, dependable ride that prioritizes comfort and amenities over performance? The answers to these questions will determine your road map. 

Setting your goals is the hardest, yet most important step.

Think about what is important to you, and then go for it. You could be at the most exotic beach in the world and wanting for nothing, but if you hate the feel of sand on your skin, it’s not luxurious. The mistake people too often make when trying to build a luxury lifestyle is trying to impress others rather than pleasing themselves. Don’t do what your friends or media say is luxurious, especially if it conflicts with your own desires. Express yourself through your own tastes, and the people you hope will take notice probably will. Of course, don’t expect to get everything all at once. When you set your goals, think of them like a progression rather than a shopping list . Start with something small, like a bed or the most luxurious chair you can think of. Then, as you get one thing, start working towards the next. Your luxurious lifestyle will build up around you, it just requires a little patience.

2. Figure Out What You Want Most.

The next step to living a luxurious lifestyle is to prioritize your goals. This ensures that they are achievable and attainable with the practicalities of life. For example, if your goal is that flashy sports car, but you live in New York City and can’t afford parking, don’t get that first. Assessing your desires in terms of your current situations is essential for planning your strategy.

You should follow two guidelines when prioritizing these things. If you do, so you can not just eventually live in luxury, but enjoy it along the way:

1. Accept your budgetary limitations.

First, accept your budgetary limitations so that you can live comfortably -- the foundation of all luxury. Ensure you have an excellent financial plan in place, to prevent overzealous spending. Realizing your luxury lifestyle fantasy is an exciting time, and sometimes optimistic people forget that what goes up sometimes comes down. If you get a luxurious living room set but end up bouncing your rent check, that’s not very luxurious.

2. Learn to compromise.

Second, don’t be afraid to compromise with yourself. We’ve all been taught about the “devil” and the “angel” on our shoulders who represent the two sides to consequential choices. However, the choice is not binary -- at least not when it’s about manifesting the luxury lifestyle you want to live.

If your dream home has four bedrooms, don’t immediately discount a good deal on a dwelling with two bedrooms. You might even realize that two rooms works fine for you. You’ll be comfortable in that place and able to set your sights on the next goal, rather than living beyond your means.

3. Make wise investments.

Credit: Escapio: Flickr

Unless your idea of a luxury lifestyle is changing surroundings or recycling possessions every so often, you will want to invest in your dreams. We don’t use this word lightly. These are the items you will surround yourself with every day.

The place where you live, your vehicle, your wardrobe, and everything that’s yours represents some facet of your luxury lifestyle. Thus, you should treat these things like investments, because that’s what they are. They are investments in you.

​ Avoid the hype.

Along with flash, novelty is often overly associated with the idea of luxury. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s the best thing to have. However, sometimes it does. It all depends on what is new about the item in question. 

A classic Rolls Royce is, without question, one of the ultimate symbols of luxury across the globe. Even still, the people in the two-year-old Hyundai in the next lane have heated seats, parallel parking assist, and dozens of other modern amenities. So, when it comes to driving or riding around in luxury , newer might actually be better in this case. However, the opposite can be true.

When it comes to things as varied as architecture or furniture, or even the kinds of light bulbs you use, sometimes older may feel more luxurious than the hottest new thing. Luxury is style, and style is another form of personal expression. So, express yourself.

4. Treat Yourself!

Credit: Johnson Watch, Flickr

The tips so far focused on the more metaphysical aspects of constructing your luxurious lifestyle. However, sometimes you just have to treat yourself! Again, luxury means different things to different people. Still, pretty much everyone agrees that going out and getting something you want the moment you want it is as luxurious as it gets.

Whether you like to engage in occasional retail therapy or enjoy a spontaneous splurge, it's prudent to enjoy the fruits of your labor. As much as luxury and lifestyle are a mentality, sometimes you just have to treat yourself, like the character from the comedy Parks and Rec .

As much as the video is a joke, the idea behind it isn’t so bad. It’s all well and good to work diligently on a lifestyle plan to achieve your goals. Yet this doesn’t mean you can’t splurge once in a while, especially if it makes you happy.

Want that cool new electronic device or a hot new outfit? Do it. Want to indulge the foodie in you with a meal at a gourmet restaurant? Go for it. Want to spend all your savings on a luxury yacht? Wait, hold up. Don’t do that.

5. Don't Treat Yourself All the Time.

Credit: UggBoy UggGirl, Flickr

There is a difference between a luxury lifestyle and living a materialistic life of pure indulgence. But it’s not as far apart as you might think. Treating yourself every so often is good for the soul. Constantly doing it will not only wreck your plan to achieve the luxury lifestyle of your dreams, but it will also make it less fulfilling. 

Imagine your favorite dessert. When you have the chance to enjoy a portion of it after a meal, it’s a wonderful surprise. But, if you eat it after every single meal, you’ll grow to hate it in months. Much the same can be applied to creating a luxury lifestyle. 

Indulging is fine -- in moderation.

While indulging your every whim is not exactly like eating the same food item every meal, the ultimate effect is the same. The joy you feel when indulging yourself in something special becomes less, well, special. So, as you treat yourself more and more, it becomes less satisfying.

Stick to your plan, and everything might work out for the best. Spend most of your money on nonsense whims, and you won’t live a life of luxury, but rather feel buried under a bunch of useless stuff. By avoiding useless buys now, you save money for larger purchases to epitomize a luxury lifestyle.

6. Forget About What the World Thinks.

So much of our ideas about a luxury lifestyle have arisen from social media. Social media influencers share pictures, videos, and the likes of their cars, mansions, private planes, and so on. Consumers, in turn, offer validation by sharing, commenting on, and liking these posts.

Their luxury lifestyle isn’t about what they find luxurious, but rather what they think the world does. They boast their possessions, which can be fun to look at, but doesn’t mean they are happy. Therefore, when it comes to your personal luxury lifestyle, don’t try to emulate others. 

Embrace a luxurious lifestyle that works for you .

This is not to say that you have to cut all ties from social media like a luxury Luddite (otherwise how would you share our helpful tips with your friends and loved ones!). No, what we’re suggesting is that instead of worrying about the message your stuff sends, think about the message you are sending. Share expressions of yourself that make you happy and confident -- think of it like art . Social media is yet another way we can express ourselves in today’s world. So, cultivate these expressions like you would something creative. If you want to share a picture of your gourmet dinner, take a great photo. But, when deciding what is worth sharing, make sure it feels like you rather than a commercial for whatever products you're rocking.

7. Foster Good Relationships.

Credit: Skaja Lee, Flickr

As we mentioned above, one person’s luxury lifestyle can feel like a luxury cage to another. Still, no matter what you enjoy, if all you do is totter around your lavish home alone, it won’t feel very luxurious. That’s because, as the old song says, people really do need other people.

Of course, you don’t want to be like The Great Gatsby , and just surround yourself with people there to drink your booze, eat your food, and peek in your closets. No, what you need are real, meaningful relationships with other people.

Avoid spending all your time focusing on your plans, and remember to make time for people. Once you have achieved your luxurious lifestyle, these are likely the people you will with whom you will share the fruits of your labor.

8. Give Back to a Cause You Care About

Credit: Daniel M. Viero, Flickr

A luxury lifestyle worth living is not one that focuses solely on you all the time. In fact, what gives value to your accomplishment is doing your part to help others achieve their dreams.

Volunteer your time and money to charities and causes that are important to you. Help mentor youth to set their own plans for the future, using your example as a guide. Give of your time or money (or both) to those who weren’t so fortunate as to see their dreams for a luxury lifestyle realized.

Helping others helps you, too.

Of course, we all know we should do altruistic things for their own sake, but there is a benefit for you as well. It will help you continue to feel like you deserve the life you’ve built. This is key for sustaining your luxury lifestyle beyond the first time the direct deposit hits your account .

Seeing people at other stages of the journey can help you remember both how hard you fought to get where you are , and how far you still can go. But you will rest more comfortably in your own luxury lifestyle, in your own skin, if you remember to be of service whenever you can afford to be.

There is no guaranteed path to living a luxurious lifestyle, but you should go for it anyways!

Unfortunately, these tips can only help you create the outline of your journey towards the luxury lifestyle you know you deserve. Life is a strange, chaotic thing filled with constant marvels and distractions. But, with focus and hard work, you can not only build the luxury lifestyle you want, but also help others achieve their dreams. Still, knowing this, we hope you found these tips helpful in setting up your best plan to live the life of your dream.

Do you have any tips of your own or anything we missed? Share your comments and insights with us below!

Related Article:  Old Money and New Money: Breaking Down the Differences

Joshua Patton

Joshua M. Patton is a father, veteran, and storyteller living in Pittsburgh, PA. You can find his work on his social media feeds or on his website. His book "What I Learned: Stories, Essays, and More" is available from all major booksellers. He is the best star pilot in the galaxy, a cunning warrior, and a good friend.

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Mastering the Art of Living a Luxurious Life on Any Budget

“Luxury is anything that feels special. I mean, it can be a moment, it can be a walk on the beach, it could be a kiss from your child, or it could be a beautiful picture frame, a special fragrance. I think luxury doesn’t necessarily have to mean expensive.” – Aerin Lauder

Experience the allure of luxury on any budget! Uncover the secrets to effortlessly infuse a touch of opulence into your everyday life with practical tips that span from enhancing your surroundings and elevating self-care rituals to refining your social engagements and financial strategies. Whether you’re transforming your living space, planning your next escape, or indulging in timeless fashion, discover how small changes can pave the way to a more enriched and lavish lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Living a luxurious life isn’t limited to extravagant expenses; it’s about defining personal luxuries, incorporating them mindfully into daily routines, and budgeting responsibly for a sense of relaxation and happiness.
• Transforming one’s living space into a luxurious sanctuary involves selective design choices, incorporating advanced home technology, and creating an atmosphere of elegance through scents and music to enhance everyday comfort and style.
• Self-care is integral to a luxurious lifestyle, with practices like at-home spa treatments, committing to a healthy balance of fitness and relaxation, and investing wisely to achieve financial security for a comfortable future.

Defining Luxury in Your Daily Life

Living a luxurious life is often associated with extravagant possessions and opulent lifestyles. It encompasses more than just material objects. It represents a feeling of relaxation, joy, and peace. To lead a more luxurious life, one must first understand their personal definition of luxury and incorporate it into their daily living while also responsibly budgeting for such indulgences.

Understanding Personal Luxury

Start by understanding the concept of personal luxury. Personal luxury is subjectively defined by individuals based on what brings them the most meaningful experiences and satisfaction. It can include tangible items, such as fresh flowers and designer clothing, tailored to each person’s unique preferences. The essence of personal luxury is not encapsulated by the price tag but rather by the quality of the experience it offers, such as providing a sense of being welcomed and valued.

Reflect on your personal luxuries. Which experiences most people or items impart a sense of luxury to you?

Incorporating Luxury into Everyday Living

Once you have determined your personal definition of luxury, the next step is to incorporate it into your daily life. This can be as easy as savoring a high-quality cup of tea or coffee, using luxurious bedding, and acknowledging small achievements like walking through an elegant hotel lobby. The idea is to infuse moments with indulgent sensations that evoke feelings of celebration or being in a fancy hotel.

By practicing mindfulness and appreciating ordinary occurrences, such as creating a lavish morning and evening routine complete with top-notch skincare products, everyday experiences can become more opulent.

Budgeting for Luxury

When indulging in luxury, it is important to budget and spend responsibly. This ensures that you can fully enjoy your experiences without the added stress of financial strain. It’s important to remember that true luxury comes from feeling at ease rather than being rushed or pressured in any situation, whether it be dining out or shopping.

By spending money wisely and investing in personal growth, you can live a luxurious life on any budget while also saving money for future endeavors. Appreciating the present moment is key to living luxuriously within your means.

Elevate Your Living Space to a Luxurious Sanctuary

After addressing personal luxury, our attention now turns to the environment in which we live. Our living space is a crucial component of our lifestyle and has the potential to become an opulent sanctuary through the careful incorporation of design elements and technology that exudes elegance.

Design Elements that Spell Luxury

The idea of luxury in a living space is characterized by an unapologetic sense of grandeur, supreme quality, and inherent splendor. To achieve this aesthetic, opt for fewer but more impactful decor pieces rather than numerous small trinkets. This will help to declutter the space and enhance its overall elegance [ 1 ].

Choose high-end materials like marble or granite for a luxurious touch and prioritize artisanal items over mass-produced ones. This not only adds a sense of exclusivity but also elevates the overall quality of the design.

The Role of Technology in Luxury Living

Advanced technology plays a significant role in elevating the luxurious experience of living. It adds convenience, functionality, and security to one’s home. The integration of smart home automation, such as intelligent blinds, outlets, and lighting systems, not only enhances convenience through remote or voice control but also promotes energy efficiency.

Ensuring a safe environment is an essential aspect of luxury living that everyone deserves. With the help of modern security systems equipped with advanced motion detectors, real-time alerts, and smart locks. Homeowners can have increased peace of mind knowing their homes are well-protected at all times.

Creating an Atmosphere of Elegance

An essential element of a luxurious living space, to design and technology, is the creation of an elegant atmosphere. This can be achieved by incorporating luxury home scents such as top-of-the-line candles or electric diffusers that infuse sophisticated fragrances throughout the room. Opt for scents that evoke pleasant memories or transport you to desirable destinations, enhancing the opulent feel of your home.

Setting just the right mood for a luxurious ambiance can also include classical music, smooth jazz, or even Ibiza chill-out tracks . These types of music help create an upscale vibe within your living space.

Achieving a Luxurious Lifestyle Through Self-Care

Prioritizing self-care is crucial for living a luxurious lifestyle. It serves as the foundation for feeling your best and truly experiencing luxury in life. This can include indulgent spa experiences, committing to a healthy way of living, and achieving a harmonious balance between physical activity and relaxation. Self-care remains an integral aspect of embracing luxury in one’s daily existence.

Indulging in Luxurious Spa Treatments at Home

One method for engaging in self-care is by pampering yourself with indulgent spa treatments from the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s scheduling regular appointments or transforming your space into a serene and lavish sanctuary, creating an at-home spa experience can offer a luxurious form of self-love.

You have the option to create DIY versions of typical spa services using common household items, such as making a microdermabrasion facial using baking soda and water or concocting a body scrub utilizing sugar and coconut oil. These homemade treatments provide all the opulence without having to leave your house.

Committing to a Healthy Lifestyle

Incorporating healthy habits into one’s lifestyle is a crucial aspect of self-care. Regular physical activity has been identified as the most significant contributor to longevity, offering advantages such as prevention of memory decline and alleviation of persistent discomfort, even when adopted later in life [ 2 ].

Eating a well-balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, fiber-rich foods, lean protein sources, whole grains, and good fats not only boosts energy levels but also lowers the risk for chronic illnesses.

Finding Balance with Fitness and Relaxation

Achieving a healthy equilibrium between physical fitness and calmness is essential. Consistent participation in yoga classes can improve muscle strength and body flexibility, as well as support respiratory and cardiovascular health. Yoga also boosts serotonin levels for better mood control while reducing cortisol levels to aid stress management.

Experiencing Luxury Through Worldly Adventures

After discussing the various aspects of personal luxury, we will now delve into the realm of luxury travel itself. Exploring different corners of the world can provide a distinct form of opulence. Finding ways to incorporate lavish trips within your budget, indulging in exquisite cuisine from around the globe, and immersing yourself in diverse cultures can elevate your lifestyle and add more sophistication to it.

Planning Luxurious Getaways on a Budget

Planning extravagant vacations does not have to come with a hefty price tag. Many locations offer options for upscale trips that are not excessively expensive, such as exclusive guided visits to important landmarks or indulging in fine dining at the chef’s table. One can take advantage of discounts and promotions to save more on transportation and lodging, as well as utilizing accumulated rewards points and air miles.

Savoring the World’s Finest Cuisine

While traveling, one of the most thrilling experiences is getting to taste some of the best food from around the world. Indulging in top-notch cuisine doesn’t always require a large budget. It can be enjoyed by making smart decisions with your spending. For example, you could opt for prix fixe menus or split main courses at upscale restaurants, as well as ordering dishes off lunch menus and saving them for later enjoyment.

Cultivating Cultural Richness

Embracing cultural diversity is another way to indulge in luxury while embarking on worldly adventures. Embracing the arts and admiring beauty simply for its own sake adds a splendid touch of personal opulence that elevates one’s lifestyle.

Participating in cost-free cultural affairs such as music concerts, art exhibitions, culinary festivals, and community gatherings can enhance luxurious experiences without putting strain on your budget.

Dressing for Success: The Luxury Wardrobe Guide

Our clothing choices play a crucial role in shaping our self-expression and the way we are perceived by others. A carefully curated wardrobe can instill feelings of confidence and opulence.

In this section, you will learn how to create a luxurious closet with an edited collection of essential items, as well as strategic shopping techniques for elegant pieces that elevate your look. We’ll also explore ways to enhance your style through sophisticated accessories.

Curating a Capsule Collection for Elegance

A capsule wardrobe is a small but efficient collection of clothing made up of classic and adaptable pieces that can be combined to create various outfits for any occasion. Some examples include pleated trousers, a basic neutral-colored sweater, and a slip dress suitable for both casual and formal events [ 3 ].

Incorporating one statement outerwear item, such as the traditional gabardine trench coat or modernized versions in materials like leather or nylon, adds sophistication while still allowing versatility within the overall selection.

Smart Shopping for Designer Deals

Creating a luxurious wardrobe does not have to mean spending excessive amounts of money. There are various alternatives worth considering.

• Online resale platforms like The RealReal offer an extensive range of authentic luxury and designer products, including clothing, shoes, accessories, as well as home decor and fine art.
• Flash sale websites such as Gilt provide daily deals on discounted designer items with additional sales events regularly offered.
• Outlet stores like Saks Off 5th also offer reduced prices on high-end fashion pieces.

These options allow for the purchase of top-quality luxury goods at more affordable rates.

Accessorize Like a Connoisseur

The addition of accessories is crucial in elevating an outfit and adding a touch of luxury. Some must-have accessories that can add sophistication and versatility to your wardrobe are:

• Stylish evening shoes
• Simple yet elegant ballet flats
• Classic black boots suitable for any occasion
• Trendy trainers with timeless appeal

Incorporating a silk scarf, hair embellishments like scrunchies or clips, as well as classic hats such as cashmere beanies or wide-brimmed options, can enhance an outfit with personalized details for a luxurious finish.

Socializing in Style: Entertaining and Networking

Part of fully embracing a life of luxury is the ability to socialize in an elegant manner. This may involve hosting sophisticated events, joining exclusive clubs, or building meaningful connections through networking. Regardless of the activity, it all comes down to making genuine connections based on shared interests and creating unforgettable experiences with friends that align with one’s luxurious lifestyle , whether you are retired or not.

Throwing Elegant Parties Without Worry

Throwing sophisticated parties does not have to be a source of anxiety. Select a focal point for your event to steer the planning process and manage costs.

Elevate the experience by focusing on exceptional hospitality and creating opportunities for interaction among guests.

Joining Elite Clubs and Social Groups

Participation in high-end organizations and social circles featuring cost-efficient alternatives grants status and chances for networking without the focus on being exclusive. Elite clubs have plenty of budget-friendly options available that include benefits such as private meeting spaces, dining amenities, and concierge assistance, minus the intimidating costs associated with more upscale establishments.

Making the Most of Every Interaction

Every encounter should be taken advantage of and utilized to its full potential. The upper class places great importance on maintaining secrecy. It is crucial to refrain from any behavior or deeds that could harm one’s image.

Involvement in philanthropic endeavors can aid in forming connections with individuals who share similar beliefs and values as those of high society.

Financial Mastery for a Luxurious Future

Efficient management of finances is crucial in attaining a life of luxury. Making smart investments , navigating high-end retirement communities, and safeguarding your wealth are key steps to achieving a comfortable and opulent retirement lifestyle.

Investing Wisely for Long-Term Luxury

Effective investment is imperative for securing a comfortable future. A wise choice would be to invest in rental properties, as it can generate consistent income by taking into account factors like upkeep costs, vacancy rates and the standard of the neighborhood. To boost retirement savings, utilizing tax-advantaged accounts such as self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s is crucial, especially when considering potential employer contributions through matching programs.

Navigating Luxury Retirement Communities

When it comes to financial mastery, choosing the right luxury retirement community is crucial. These communities offer a range of living options for seniors, such as assisted and independent living in a luxurious environment. Along with apartment-style accommodations, residents can enjoy daily meals and various amenities like fitness classes and transportation assistance at these all-inclusive luxury senior living and facilities.

In order to make an informed decision about moving into a luxury senior living community at age sixty, it’s important to consider your current expenses, including utilities, insurance, and lifestyle costs. By comparing them with the overall cost of residing in the retirement community (which often includes everything from housing to services), you can determine if this type of luxurious retirement fits within your budget.

Protecting Your Assets for Peace of Mind

Ensuring the safety of your assets is vital for achieving a sense of peace. Insurance plays a crucial role in protecting your assets and providing reassurance by offering coverage for unexpected financial burdens resulting from accidents, health problems, or unforeseen circumstances.

In particular, long-term care insurance is essential as it covers expenses associated with services like nursing home care, at-home assistance, and even assisted living services, which becomes necessary as one ages but can also be financially strenuous.

Empowering Financial Mastery: Navigating the Path to Retirement with The Institute of Financial Wellness (IFW)

It is important to note the presence of The Institute of Financial Wellness (IFW) in regard to attaining financial mastery. We provide a free Retirement Roadmap Experience that assists individuals in determining their IFW Retirement Score .

At the same time, the IFW Financial Knowledge Center offers valuable insights and tools for improving one’s understanding and planning when it comes to finances. It serves as a helpful resource hub with guidance on how individuals can enhance their financial literacy, save money, and effectively plan for retirement.

Full Summary

Living a life of luxury is not necessarily synonymous with excessive spending or extravagance. It instead revolves around comprehending the personal definition of what constitutes luxury, incorporating it into daily routines, and indulging in experiences responsibly. This includes enhancing one’s living space, self-care practices, planning affordable getaways on a budget, dressing for successful occasions stylishly, socializing in luxurious settings, and securing long-term financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to live a luxurious life.

Having a luxurious life entails being financially savvy and indulging in the little pleasures without going overboard. One can enjoy a lavish lifestyle while on a tight budget.

Living luxuriously does not mean living extravagantly, rather it means making smart financial decisions to enjoy the finer things in life within one’s means. With careful planning and moderation, even those with limited funds can be successful.

How much money do you need to live a luxurious life in the USA?

Maintaining a lavish lifestyle in the United States may entail earning anywhere from $500k to $1 million per year, according to recommendations from wealthy individuals. Based on research findings, feeling financially stable typically requires an annual income of around $233,000, while reaching true wealth or financial freedom would require an average salary of approximately $483,000 annually [ 4 ].

What is an example of a luxury lifestyle?

The concept of a luxury lifestyle encompasses possessions such as luxurious vehicles, designer clothing, and exclusive islands that are indulged in by those who have the means and inclination for it.

How can I transform my living space into a luxurious sanctuary?

Achieve a feeling of opulence in your living area by adding stylish elements and utilizing modern technology, resulting in an elegant ambiance reminiscent of a high-end retreat.

What are some ways to practice self-care for a luxurious lifestyle?

Encompass opulent spa services and give importance to maintaining a healthy way of living that encompasses both physical activity and taking time for relaxation in order to create an indulgent self-care regimen.

Scott Rosen is the Executive Vice-President and Research Champion of the IFW.  Scott is a 30-year veteran of the financial services industry.

Tune In: Erik Sussman, Founder of The Institute of Financial Wellness Coming Up on Fox Business

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The Psychology Behind Why People Buy Luxury Goods

Buying a luxury handbag is not an uncommon purchase for many people. It may even be just as common as buying a shirt at Target. While the appeal of luxury goods is undeniable—the leather is soft, the logo is flashy—the price tag can be off-putting. Unless you’ve got a good job with a high salary or have fantastic personal savings habits, buying luxury consumer goods can be cost-prohibitive. In some cases, it may create a credit card balance that isn't easy to pay off. So why do people make these extravagant purchases?

Key Takeaways

• Buying luxury consumer goods can create an undue financial burden unless you can afford to do so.
• The luxury goods market is worth billions and will continue to grow by 2030.
• Some of the reasons why people buy luxury goods when they can't afford them include a sense of irrationality, the supposed quality, the impact they have on self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.

How Big Is the Luxury Goods Market?

A luxury good is a product that is deemed non-essential. This means that consumers don't need a luxury good to live. Examples of luxury goods include clothing from high-end designers, designer luggage and handbags, jewelry and watches, estates, high-end vehicles, and certain accessories.

Demand for luxury goods typically rises when incomes do so when the economy flourishes, people tend to loosen their purse strings and spend more on items they don't necessarily need but want. Research indicates that people cut back on non-essential spending across the U.S. and Europe in 2022 even though demand for these goods was high.

The luxury goods market in 2022 was estimated at $242.8 billion. This number is expected to increase to $369.8 billion by 2030—almost a third of this ($115.4 billion) is expected to come from luxury apparel alone.

Some Consumers Aren't Rational

Consumers aren't always rational. A perfectly rational person would always act in accordance with reason or logic. This means that a perfectly rational person would always act in their own best interest. This includes acting in their own best financial interest.

According to some modern behavioral psychology studies, many consumers who buy luxury goods are not in a financial position to afford luxury goods. The proof may be in the high rates of consumer debt in America. Total credit card debt for the first quarter of 2023 was $986 billion. Depending on how you look at it, this may be evident that many Americans don’t always act in their best financial interest.

While a high-quality, durable handbag can be purchased for around $100, some people opt to spend thousands of dollars on a luxury-brand handbag that performs the same function and is of the same relative quality.

Does the Higher Price Equal Higher Quality?

One possible explanation for this is the human tendency to overemphasize the positive elements of a product and ignore its disadvantages. Great marketing and brand power may be among the reasons behind this. For instance, many consumers wait overnight for new releases of iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers even though Apple ( AAPL ) products aren't technologically unique or superior.

In fact, Samsung offers more variety and (according to some experts) more bang for a consumer's buck when it comes to smartphones compared to Apple. And consider the fact that Microsoft ( MSFT ) and Xiaomi make phones that typically have a cheaper price point. Nevertheless, Apple experiences a high degree of brand loyalty and seems to break sales records year after year.

Because some people perceive non-luxury goods as inferior simply by virtue of them being non-luxury (and not on the basis of their characteristics or qualities), they also come to the conclusion that higher-priced goods are of better quality. Contrary to the evidence, they may believe that you get what you pay for, regardless of whether the goods are actually better than their more affordable counterparts.

Did you know you can also invest in the luxury goods market? There are a number of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds that track this market.

Self-Esteem May Impact a Person's Purchases

A person's self-esteem can be a factor that influences some people's decisions about whether they purchase luxury goods. This may be especially true if they can not easily afford the cost of these items. For some consumers, a luxury good can go a long way in increasing self-esteem, providing a sense of belonging, and even higher status.

With the rise of online shopping , a $500 scarf is just a click away. For some people, luxury goods are the ultimate retail therapy. Fortunately for luxury brands, the internet makes them easily accessible for impulse shopping. 

A sense of accomplishment is another reason why some people buy luxury goods. They want to reward themselves for their hard work by treating themselves to something they typically could not afford.

There’s a reason why people may decide to pass up a fake Rolex in order to pay full price for an authentic one even if they look identical. Despite appearing the same, the owner will know that they don't have a real luxury good. But this doesn't appear to be a rational choice: If we buy luxury goods to show off to others and feel like we belong, why wouldn’t a facsimile do the trick?

Researchers at Yale have determined that this quest for authenticity develops early in childhood. A study that tried to convince children that a cloning machine produced their favorite toy found that most children refused to accept the duplicate as identical. It turns out that the sentimentality of the item—the memory or feeling that comes from having purchased a genuine luxury good—is part of the reason that we seek authenticity.

In other words, for some people, treating yourself to a pair of fake Christian Louboutin brand boots would be the same thing as having not treated yourself at all.

What Are Some Examples of Luxury Goods?

The luxury goods market is made up of goods that are deemed non-essential. This means that these goods are not necessary for people to live. Some examples of luxury goods include high-end apparel, luggage, and handbags, jewelry and watches, luxury cars, and residential estates.

What Are the Most Common Luxury Goods that People Purchase?

Some of the most common types of luxury goods that people tend to purchase include high-end designer apparel and handbags, jewelry and watches, and luxury cars. Apparel is so popular that this segment is expected to be about one-third of the luxury goods market by 2030.

How Can I Spot a Fake Luxury Good?

Counterfeit goods are more common than most people think—especially when it comes to the luxury good market. One of the most obvious ways to spot a fake is by the price. If it's too good to be true, then it probably is. Be cautious if someone sells you a designer handbag that normally retails for $3,000 for $100. You can also tell a knock-off from the real thing by the craftsmanship. Counterfeit luxury items may be shoddily made. Counterfeiters also use fake logos or alternate spellings of brand names.

People buy luxury goods for a variety of reasons; nearly all of these reasons are related to the strong emotions that we attach to the purchase of expensive material goods . Whether or not a consumer is in a financial position that allows them to be able to purchase a financial item, they may decide to purchase it anyways in order to achieve a certain feeling—for example, a feeling of accomplishment from hard work—or to gain acceptance from others.

J.P. Morgan. " What's next for the luxury market? "

Research and Markets. " Luxury Goods: Global Strategic Business Report ."

Federal Reserve Bank of New York. " QUARTERLY REPORT ON HOUSEHOLD DEBT AND CREDIT ," Page 1.

Android Authority. " Apple vs Samsung: The ultimate head-to-head ."

Luxury Academy. " THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND LUXURY ."

Yale University. " Children Prefer Certain Individuals Over Perfect Duplicates ," Page 461.

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What Is a Luxurious Lifestyle?

• May 31, 2022

You might have heard about it in a conversation or read about it in your favorite lifestyle magazine or a book but fail to grasp the concept of a luxurious lifestyle. It is hardly surprising, as it is a complex subject. After all, how can the same thing include pampering yourself with expensive items and being attainable on a budget?

Many people get confused about what can be defined as ‘luxury’ because it means something a little bit different to all of us. While one person may collocate it with sports cars and vintage gold watches, another can see it as nothing more than living in high-end apartments and eating fancy dishes. At the same time, other people might view the luxurious lifestyle as being constantly on the move, traveling from one spectacular place to another .

If you have always wanted to learn what are the most popular concepts of living in luxury, you will find answers to your questions below. Read on to see common characteristics defining what is considered ‘luxurious’ and what is not:

Money Is Not the Only Thing That Matters

The most common reason why people consider themselves to be living in luxury is that they have a lot of money to spend. More often than not, it results in a competition between billionaires and millionaires, who are trying to one-up each other with their bank accounts. If you are in this group of people, you should know that there is another way of thinking about ‘luxury,’ which has nothing to do with money.

Instead, it is all about the lifestyle you choose for yourself. It doesn’t matter if you have a net worth of $5 million or $500 million: what matters is whether your life is truly luxurious or not.

For example, if you read an article about 31 things to do in Copenhagen and want to go there but know it will prevent you from earning more money, you need to ask yourself: what is more important to me at this moment? Do not default on growing your bank account when the experiences you may gain during your travels can be much more valuable in the long run!

While money is an important aspect of a luxurious lifestyle, it is not the only thing that you should focus on. The truth is that there are many people out there who have a lot of money but are not living a luxurious life. Instead, they are wasting their time and resources on things that do not bring them joy or happiness. To avoid making this mistake, do not let your financial assets keep you from living your best life.

Luxury Is Not About Showing Off

A common confusion is that luxury means putting on a lavish show of your wealth. While this may be the case in some parts of the world, living luxuriously means something entirely different.

A luxurious lifestyle is very much about privacy and modesty. People who live in luxury often choose to keep a low profile and rarely flaunt their wealth; they are more likely to dress down and drive a second-hand car than to wear designer clothing and drive an expensive sports car.

In reality, luxury is about enjoying your life to the fullest and being able to afford the things that make you happy. It is not about impressing other people or making them jealous.

Luxury Is Not Just for the Rich and Famous

The concept of the luxurious lifestyle has been etched in our minds as something only rich people can afford. Yet, it is not always about how much money you make in a month. The fact that you aren’t living in a spacious penthouse with a view of Central Park or don’t have a collection of vintage cars makes no difference, as long as you have the right attitude to life.

You do not have to be super-rich to lead a luxurious life. In fact, having hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at your disposal is not what defines your life as ‘luxurious.’ It is more about how you live, feel good about yourself, and make the most out of your time.

Luxury Does Not Mean Living in Excess

One of the biggest misconceptions about luxury is that it means living in excess and wasting money on unnecessary things. While it is true that luxury does allow you to indulge in some of your more expensive tastes, it does not mean that you should go overboard. Instead, living a luxurious lifestyle is — in a huge part — about being smart with money.

Luxury is about moderation and enjoying the finer things in life without going overboard. Even though some people may define it as living in excess , the reality is that one can live a ‘luxurious lifestyle’ on a small budget. It does not mean that you have to be wealthy to live a lavish life, yet you have to know how to spend wisely.

This lifestyle is reflected in food, clothing, housing, and transportation, but it is not necessarily associated with high prices. For example, you don’t buy clothes from luxury brands but choose delicate cufflinks.

In addition to rings, Custom Cufflinks are the smallest decorations and will be set with diamonds and gemstones, but they are also reasonably priced. It is also one of the manifestations of the luxury approach, as it shows attitude and taste.

Final Thoughts

After going through this article, you should have a clear picture of how the luxurious lifestyle can be enjoyed in both a practical and an extravagant way. The key to making it work is to find the right balance. Also, remember that it is not about how much money you earn but what kind of life you want to live.

For many people, a luxurious lifestyle is not just about living in a big house or driving a fancy car. It is about being surrounded by the people you love, having fun, and enjoying good food and drink. For others, though, one of the most important things that make up a luxurious lifestyle is traveling to exciting places and experience new things.

Once you have decided on your priorities, you can start planning your luxurious lifestyle with ease!

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What Exactly Is a Luxurious Lifestyle? These Definitions Might Interest You

Few people don’t crave a luxurious lifestyle, but what exactly does that mean? What constitutes living in the lap of luxury to one person may be totally different for another, and so perhaps a brief look at what today’s consumer considers ‘luxury’ to mean might be helpful. Whether you are a real estate investor seeking to buy and lease out a group of highend apartments or a young professional seeking the ‘good things in life,’ there are some common characteristics that define a luxurious lifestyle. Here are a few of the most popular aspects of living in luxury.

Location Isn’t Everything Anymore

It seems as though, as time passes, that old real estate mantra “location, location, location” is becoming less and less important to millennials seeking the ‘good life.’ While most young professionals want a nice neighborhood to raise their families in, they are no longer looking for ostentatious displays of wealth as in days gone by. They have come to learn that all that glitters isn’t gold and so they are willing to pay top dollar to live in areas that are ‘emerging’ in the luxury market.

Convenience Is Integral to a Luxurious Lifestyle

One of the most common characteristics of what was considered a luxurious lifestyle always seemed to be a community set apart from the masses. It was a gated community somewhere in the outskirts that consisted of oversized homes with exquisitely landscaped lawns and obvious signs of a landscaping crew on the job weekly if not daily. Those things are still important but toned down to a large degree. More important than seclusion is convenience. If a luxury apartment or single family dwelling is centrally located, that unit will almost always take the highest bidder.

Comfort Is the New Sign of Affluence

Which leads us to comfort. The main reason why convenience is so high up on the list of what constitutes luxurious living is the comfort it affords. Most people commute to and from their places of employment and that is anything but comfortable. With long drives in heavy traffic, sometimes in blistering heat or freezing arctic temperatures, that commute can literally be quite a challenge. Convenience is one of the key factors of comfort and since comfort is a sign of affluence, the two go hand in hand. However, comfort is also so much more than mere convenience. It’s having what you need, when you need it. Comfort in a luxurious lifestyle means what it takes to do more with less effort. That is comfort to today’s young professionals who spend the majority of their lives in the fast lane.

Living with a Social Conscience

While it is true that a growing number of consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the havoc we are wreaking on Mother Earth, it seems like only the truly affluent are in a position to do anything about it. Few families can afford the luxury of installing solar power or alternatives to electric heat and cooling, so luxurious living means that where and how we choose to live our lives must not have a negative impact on the world around us.

It means having the luxury to live a sustainable lifestyle in a way that goes far beyond the basics of recycling and using energy efficient LED lighting. A truly luxurious home or apartment will therefore be constructed from sustainable materials, many of which are truly more expensive than traditional building materials. One example would be marble countertops as opposed to Formica.

Quality vs. Quantity

This new breed of successful professionals is beginning to understand that an outlandish show of having more isn’t really a sign of luxury. In fact, there are times when having more actually hinders luxurious living. Being bogged down with all the entrapments that were once a sign of luxury isn’t convenient and it certainly isn’t comfortable – two of the very most important aspects of a luxurious lifestyle. Having more than you could use kept you perpetually enslaved to those entrapments. With fewer things to maintain and protect, you actually have the luxury to enjoy life. Millennials are really the first generation to truly ‘get it.’

It’s the Experience that Counts

Finally, a luxurious lifestyle meets the need of today’s young professionals to experience more in life. It’s having time on your hands to travel to exotic locations as the mood strikes or to stay at home if that’s what you so desire. It’s having the luxury to sit back and enjoy the very life you are living rather than always living for what you have.

Perhaps a good way to look at experiential living is in the technology that surrounds us. From supersized flat screen TVs to state of the art gaming systems, it’s an experience of life that would otherwise be unavailable to you. It’s being able to pick up on a dime and travel to exotic locations or being able to through a soiree out back around your tiki bar or heated outdoor Jacuzzi. Luxurious living is having the wherewithal to experience life in ways the average blue collar worker just couldn’t justify.

Luxury Is a State of Mind

Taking all of the above into consideration, in today’s world luxury is really a state of mind. Yes, it’s having nice things and living in a comfortable setting that is conveniently located. It’s having the time and money to do some of the things you would otherwise be unable to do and see. It’s having just what you need at hand when you need it but not so much that you spend the bulk of your time worrying about safety and security. At the end of the day, luxury is a state of mind.

It’s what makes you happy enough to enjoy what you have rather than always seeking more. High end apartments and real estate give you that and so much more. From onsite security to pools, saunas and service oriented concierges, a luxurious lifestyle enables you to enjoy what you have. That is luxury in the truest sense of the word and exactly what the affluent of today are after. It’s not a show of wealth but the enjoyment of what wealth has to offer.

Info sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. 

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Self-Improvement

Everyday luxury: 33 masterful ways to live like a queen.

Let me tell you a secret…creating a life of everyday luxury has almost nothing to do with how much money you have access to. The small details of your everyday routines are what build a life that is full of luxury. It is your daily habits and thoughts that open up the world of everyday luxury to you.

What Does Everyday Luxury Mean?

If you are anything like us, you have always dreamt of living a luxury lifestyle. The ability to sip champagne whenever and where ever you want, unlimited shopping trips where you throw whatever your heart desires in the bag, lavish vacations, and a huge house with staff to maintain it all sound like paradise.

An opulent vacation to the Seychelles or Paris will absolutely add to your luxury lifestyle, but you have to come home at some point. You should not have to leave your house or your city to experience luxury. If you don’t have small luxuries as part of your daily life you are highly unlikely to keep living the luxurious life you have experienced on your vacation. Experiencing bursts of extreme luxury is still a thing to be cherished, but those are not the things that define everyday luxury.

If you want to live a life that has a luxury experience every day you have to start to cultivate feelings of abundance, beauty, divinity, and vigor today. This will start to shift how you are showing up and moving through the world to attract more luxurious experiences.

Living the Luxury Life

Sure, having a lot of money can make living a luxurious life easier, but appreciating the gift that it is might be overlooked. Luxury does not equate to large sums of money. Modern advertising entangles the two, but luxury is much more about the quality of the experience and the time spent. Buying luxury goods or experiences is just a bonus.

Daily luxurious living is a state of mind. It is a full embodiment of a way of living and that’s excellent news! Because living everyday luxury is a mindset and not an account balance, you can start living the luxury life right now.

Living a luxurious life is more about being able to control how you spend your time, who you spend it with, and being happy with yourself. When you start to practice gratitude for your health, meals, taking a walk, the smell of morning air, a laugh with a friend and anything else you have your life will start to feel a lot more luxurious.

When you shift your focus from what you think you don’t have to fully appreciate what you do have, your mindset about the level of luxury in your everyday life will change. Remember, not everyone has what you have and the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

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How to Create a Luxurious Everday Life

To create a luxurious everyday life you need to have gratitude for and focus on the things that you have. With a few updates and modifications to your daily habits , you can make sure every day has a little something special and feels indulgent. Here are some tips to get you started.

Stop saying, “I can’t afford that.”

If you think something is too lavish for you to have it will always be too expensive. Try saying, “That’s not currently in my budget,” instead. It leaves the door open to budgeting for it in the future.

Grab a Drink at a Luxurious Hotel Bar

It won’t cost you as much as a full meal at a luxury restaurant, but you’ll get a taste of a luxury vibe.

Go to an Open House for a Home You’d Love to Live in

It might be out of your budget at the moment, but you can take some ideas from how it was staged and replicate them in your own space.

Wear your Good Things Whenever you Want

Don’t save your best items for a special occasion. You are the occasion.

Wear Perfume

Fragrance helps set the mood and so wear a scent that makes you feel luxurious.

Get Dressed Every Day

It doesn’t matter if you’ll just be at home , get dressed every day. When you look good, you feel good.

Shop your Closet

Choose your outfits like you’re shopping at your favorite store. You might shock yourself with the combinations you come up with.

Cook a Meal from Scratch

A homemade meal tastes so much better than anything store-bought or from takeout. You’ll know exactly what is in it and be able to pour love into it. That’s why it tastes better.

Use Quality Sheets

This is worth the splurge . The quality of your sleep affects literally everything about your waking life. Do whatever it takes to get good sleep.

Have a Glass of Wine or Champagne

Dealers choice here, but there is something about having a glass of wine while winding down for the weekend that breathes opulence into your routine.

Celebrate your Wins

Big or small you should celebrate your accomplishments.

Use a Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillowcase is great for your skin and hair because it keeps them moisturized and won’t pull on them causing wrinkles. Do you need another reason?

Write Thank You Notes

Bonus points if they are on personalized stationery. Taking a moment to express gratitude for someone showing you kindness or service makes you appreciate it more.

Visit Museums and Art Galleries

This helps you get a feel for what kind of art you like and you can’t help but feel luxurious when you are surrounded by art.

Take a Walk

Fresh air and sunshine are good for you mentally and physically.

Use Lavender or Frankincense and Myrrh Pouches in your Drawers

You’ll get a whiff of a heavenly scent every time you open them.

Move your Body Daily

Your entire body will thank you for exercising in some capacity. You’ll be healthier and happier for it in the long run.

Drink Good Coffee or Tea

Having good coffee or tea at home makes a world of difference if you like them. Upgrading from drip coffee to an espresso maker or from bagged teas to loose-leaf is a game-changer.

Wear Nice Lingerie

I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t feel like a goddess in lingerie .

Have Nice Outfits to Wear at Home

You should not only look nice when you’re leaving the house. You see yourself at home so looking put together there helps your self-esteem.

Buy Fresh Flowers

Luxury hotels have them all the time. Why shouldn’t you have them on occasion?

Get your Nails Done

Having your nails look like perfection every day is an easy way to feel luxurious daily.

Use High-Quality Beauty Products

Though the drugstore products will usually work just fine, there is a dash of something special with luxury products. Plus you’re telling yourself that you are worth investing in.

Not only will this practice help you regulate your emotions, but it also helps you feel more in tune with what you want from life.

Journal Daily with your Morning Coffee

Journaling can help you set the tone for your day so settling in with a nice cup of coffee (or tea) can really get the self-inspired desires going.

Simplify your To-Do List

Having a long list of things to do every day creates stress. Spread your massive list out to help you not feel overwhelmed.

Go Out with Your Friends

A fun night out with your girls is always a good time.

Clean Your House

It doesn’t sound fun, but a clean space is a happy space.

Enjoy Watching the Sunrise or Sunset

Seeing these daily phenomena makes you really appreciate living. The Earth is a life-sustaining work of art.

Use Cloth Napkins

They are much classier than paper and you can wash and reuse them.

Use Nice Tableware

Glass, ceramic, and porcelain cups, plates, and drinking glasses feel chicer. Having properly weighted flatware feels super chic too.

Learn How to Have a Good Relationship with Money

Whether you have a little or a lot, know the role money is supposed to play in your life and help it do that.

Move One Step Closer to a Goal

Do one thing that gets you closer to a goal. Having a sense of accomplishment and knowing that you did your future self a favor is a great self-esteem booster.

Living a Luxurious Life Everyday

You don’t have to be at a luxury hotel or live in a $20 million house to experience everyday luxury. You can bring the luxuries of those places to you. If you love how clean hotel rooms are take a day to declutter your home and create a system to keep it clutter-free. You might not have the finest leathers, cashmere, and wool, but you can take care of what you do have like they are. To experience luxury living everyday work to surround yourself with things you find beautiful, comforting, and bring you pleasure. There is no way you can’t feel abundant when that is your lifestyle. Find ways to upgrade your daily habits and you’ll feel more luxurious in no time.

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2 thoughts on “everyday luxury: 33 masterful ways to live like a queen”.

Absolutely love the 33 suggestions you included to live luxuriously each day. I recommend so many of them myself and can attest to the fact that they work. It’s also true that they can elevate the environment and lift those around you as well. Great post!

Thank you! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. This means a lot to me!

Comments are closed.

Elevating the Everyday & Mastering the Art of Living Well

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Why the simple life is not just beautiful, it’s necessary

Detail from Interior with Two Girls by Peter Ilsted, 1904. Photo courtesy Flickr

by Emrys Westacott   + BIO

The good life is the simple life. Among philosophical ideas about how we should live, this one is a hardy perennial; from Socrates to Thoreau, from the Buddha to Wendell Berry, thinkers have been peddling it for more than two millennia. And it still has plenty of adherents. Magazines such as Real Simple call out to us from the supermarket checkout; Oprah Winfrey regularly interviews fans of simple living such as Jack Kornfield, a teacher of Buddhist mindfulness; the Slow Movement, which advocates a return to pre-industrial basics, attracts followers across continents.

Through much of human history, frugal simplicity was not a choice but a necessity – and since necessary, it was also deemed a moral virtue. But with the advent of industrial capitalism and a consumer society, a system arose that was committed to relentless growth, and with it grew a population (aka ‘the market’) that was enabled and encouraged to buy lots of stuff that, by traditional standards, was surplus to requirements. As a result, there’s a disconnect between the traditional values we have inherited and the consumerist imperatives instilled in us by contemporary culture.

In pre-modern times, the discrepancy between what the philosophers advised and how people lived was not so great. Wealth provided security, but even for the rich wealth was flimsy protection against misfortunes such as war, famine, disease, injustice and the disfavour of tyrants. The Stoic philosopher Seneca, one of the richest men in Rome, still ended up being sentenced to death by Nero. As for the vast majority – slaves, serfs, peasants and labourers – there was virtually no prospect of accumulating even modest wealth.

Before the advent of machine-based agriculture, representative democracy, civil rights, antibiotics and aspirin, just making it through a long life without too much suffering counted as doing pretty well. Today, though, at least in prosperous societies, people want and expect (and can usually have) a good deal more. Living simply now strikes many people as simply boring.

Yet there seems to be growing interest, especially among millennials, in rediscovering the benefits of simple living. Some of this might reflect a kind of nostalgia for the pre-industrial or pre-consumerist world, and also sympathy for the moral argument that says that living in a simple manner makes you a better person, by building desirable traits such as frugality, resilience and independence – or a happier person, by promoting peace of mind and good health, and keeping you close to nature.

These are plausible arguments. Yet in spite of the official respect their teachings command, the sages have proved remarkably unpersuasive. Millions of us continue to rush around getting and spending, buying lottery tickets, working long hours, racking up debt, and striving 24/7 to climb the greasy pole. Why is this?

One obvious answer is good old-fashioned hypocrisy. We applaud the frugal philosophy while ignoring its precepts in our day-to-day lives. We praise the simple lifestyle of, say, Pope Francis, seeing it as a sign of his moral integrity, while also hoping for and cheering on economic growth driven, in large part, by a demand for bigger houses, fancier cars and other luxury goods.

But the problem isn’t just that our practice conflicts with our professed beliefs. Our thinking about simplicity and luxury, frugality and extravagance, is fundamentally inconsistent. We condemn extravagance that is wasteful or tasteless and yet we tout monuments of past extravagance, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the palace at Versailles, as highly admirable. The truth is that much of what we call ‘culture’ is fuelled by forms of extravagance.

Somewhat paradoxically, then, the case for living simply was most persuasive when most people had little choice but to live that way. The traditional arguments for simple living in effect rationalise a necessity. But the same arguments have less purchase when the life of frugal simplicity is a choice, one way of living among many. Then the philosophy of frugality becomes a hard sell.

That might be about to change, under the influence of two factors: economics and environmentalism. When recession strikes, as it has done recently (revealing inherent instabilities in an economic system committed to unending growth) millions of people suddenly find themselves in circumstances where frugality once again becomes a necessity, and the value of its associated virtues is rediscovered.

In societies such as the United States, we are currently witnessing a tendency for capitalism to stretch the distance between the ‘have lots’ and the ‘have nots’. These growing inequalities invite a fresh critique of extravagance and waste. When so many people live below the poverty line, there is something unseemly about in-your-face displays of opulence and luxury. Moreover, the lopsided distribution of wealth also represents a lost opportunity. According to Epicurus and the other sages of simplicity, one can live perfectly well, provided certain basic needs are satisfied – a view endorsed in modern times by the psychologist Abraham Maslow’s ‘ hierarchy of needs ’. If correct, it’s an argument for using surplus wealth to ensure that everyone has basics such as food, housing, healthcare, education, utilities and public transport – at low cost, rather than allowing it to be funnelled into a few private pockets.

However wise the sages, it would not have occurred to Socrates or Epicurus to argue for the simple life in terms of environmentalism. Two centuries of industrialisation, population growth and frenzied economic activity has bequeathed us smog; polluted lakes, rivers and oceans; toxic waste; soil erosion; deforestation; extinction of plant and animal species, and global warming. The philosophy of frugal simplicity expresses values and advocates a lifestyle that might be our best hope for reversing these trends and preserving our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Many people are still unconvinced by this. But if our current methods of making, getting, spending and discarding prove unsustainable, then there could come a time – and it might come quite soon – when we are forced towards simplicity. In which case, a venerable tradition will turn out to contain the philosophy of the future.

The Wisdom of Frugality (2016) by Emrys Westacott is published via Princeton University Press.

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Just imagine, waking up with excitement, going through your day with clarity and unwinding in the evening with peace of mind and a dose of pleasure and extraordinary comfort.

In a very succinct way, this is what living a simply luxurious life is about each and every day.

But how does each of us reach this pinnacle? What do we need to do now to enjoy this state of being each and every day?

In a very broad sense, the how is always shared and examined here on TSLL blog and on The Simple Sophisticate podcast. We dive deep into the components of finding this peace of mind, of how to reach the clarity that will no doubt be different and unique just as we are different and unique individuals in this vast and amazing world, and finding what is pleasurable and lovely in our everyday routines, but today I would like to share with you the outline, the concepts of what a simply luxurious life entails, and thus how it will feel as you are living it day in and day out because trust me, while the descriptor above will be true, how you attain that feeling will be different on any given day.

A simply luxurious life involves:

1.Always learning and remaining curious

2. Maintaining and building a sturdy 3-legged stool of health: (1) a diet of moderation which involves real food, (2) physical soundness – daily, simple, enjoyable aerobic exercise, strength, and stretching, and (3) mastery of your mind – conscious decision making rather than reacting rashly, positive self-talk, meditation to let your mind rest and exercise your control and mastery of it and a good, regular night’s sleep.

3. Finding a purpose that correlates with your passions.  Then crafting a plan for success and working towards it in small steps daily.

4. Being clear about what you value and reassessing regularly. Eliminating responsibilities, activities and relationships that don’t support your primary values.

5. Allowing yourself to really feel what you’re feeling, not numbing yourself to what arises. In doing so, you come to understand and allow yourself the ability to move forward with more clarity, compassion and awareness.

6. Creating a sanctuary to wake up in each morning and fall asleep in every night. Keeping it decluttered, organized and stocked with your simple pleasures for your daily, weekly and monthly rituals so that it is simple to maintain and a pleasure to live in.

7. Successfully mastering a chic, stylish wardrobe while adhering to your budget and not letting the trends and media master you. 

8. Building and investing in a healthy social circle. Quality, not quantity.

9. Being compassionate, but having clear, firm boundaries in place. 

10. Establishing routines that enable moments of spontaneity.

11. Living within your means which involves spending to invest in yourself, both of which allow you to have your financial security in your complete control. Continuing to educate yourself so you can take risks, but also remain financially savvy.

12. Knowing what you value and being clear about your priorities so that your energy isn’t depleted for the things you care most deeply about. 

13. Being open to love. Taking your time, learning from past mistakes, knowing what you can and cannot compromise on.

14. Incorporating regular travel as we must continue to grow and evolve, making it luxurious as we venture with the attention to details and planning in preparation.

15. Allowing room for luxuries, both routine and unexpected, such as flowers, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures, excursions, entertainment, dining out, etc. Regularly planning special moments, no matter how small, at least one each day to celebrate or appreciate something that is going well.

16. Being productive in a career you love, but striving for balance with your personal life. 

17. Knowing thyself – what you need, what you know, and what you don’t know. Giving to yourself in the manner of self-respect, self-compassion, and finding your inner strength so that you can successfully attain your goals.

Discover what you will feel as you are living a simply luxurious life:

• contentment
• uncertainty which motivates you to seek answers and more knowledge, but also reminds you to trust yourself
• initial doubt followed by confidence
• inquisitive

The key to understanding why I can guarantee you will feel these emotions is because if you’ve built a strong foundation that involves the 8 pillars of a simply luxurious life , are actively cultivating and working toward achieving and making a reality each of the 17 concepts listed above which fall under the 8 pillars, and are always open to learning how to attain the skills necessary to effectively do each of these (which we talk about regularly on the blog and podcast), no matter where you are on your life’s journey, you will have the confidence to face any uncertainty, you will have the ability to appreciate where you are, what you have and how far you’ve come, you will be in touch with yourself so that you understand your emotions, and that is why the negative emotions don’t rise to the surface.

Yes, you may initially feel frustration or anger due to another’s actions or an outcome of a scenario that didn’t go your way, but you will know how to respond effectively, you will know what to let go of and you won’t burden yourself with unnecessary angst.

As the pioneer of this coined way of life “simply luxurious”, I know I am by no means the first to understand or try to better understand how to live a truly fulfilling life on my own terms so that my authentic self is able to reach its full potential, but perhaps no one was able to speak or write in such a way that I fully grasped and that is why I began this blog.

For example, while I was agog about living simply after reading Ralph Waldo Emerson’s book of essays as a teenager, I knew he wasn’t going to be the guru to finding my personal style which I so unabashedly loved spending time trying to understand and shop for accordingly. Likewise, Mireille Guilano seemed to speak to me almost directly when I read her first book, and I began to breathe a breath of angst-free air when I realized I didn’t have to torture myself at the gym to stay in shape. However, I am not French (although in my dreams I sometimes become a femme a la française).

And so, how to live simply luxuriously as someone who isn’t French, but adores their cultural and aesthetic values, how to come to understand myself and the world around me in this twenty-first century as a woman who values her independence, intelligence and femininity, and most importantly, while reaching my full potential, how to savor each and everyday so as to infuse a rich appreciation for the life that I am living now, this is why the blog, then the podcast , the first book and then a second book written to share specific tools to tailor your life to your uniqueness, and then the third book that shares a daily entry for each day of the year exemplifying how to live simply luxuriously every day in your own way is something I want to share with you. Because as much as I am on the journey with you, sharing as I go, revealing the aha moments I experience, with each step, with each challenge I overcome, this life, this simply luxurious life, just becomes more exceptionally extraordinary beyond my wildest expectations and I want you to experience this as well because you absolutely can.

Very much so, Henry David Thoreau’s quote rings true:

If one advances confidently in the direction of [her] dreams, and endeavors to live the life which [she] has imagined, [she] will meet with success unexpected in common hours.

To the typical outsider, your life may not be extraordinarily different, odd or magnificent. But to you, the insider, you will know the transformation you have undergone. You will feel all of those feelings listed above, and you will, to return to the first sentence of this post,  wake up with excitement, go through your day with clarity and unwind in the evening with peace of mind and a dose of pleasure and extraordinary comfort every single day.

The simply luxurious life is worth living, and you hold all the power to make it so.

~If you are new to TSLL blog, start here to discover how to live simply luxuriously as I break down the blog and all of its components so you can best utilitize this destination as a resource to live your best life. 

Image: source

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8 thoughts on “ What Does a Simply Luxurious Life Look & Feel Like? ”

Shannon you have no idea how much I needed this post today and how much I have gained from it. For some weeks I’ve been quite unwell (severe, never-before back pain), so getting through the days has been a task in itself.

Although I still have a way to go to regain full health I’m on the way, it will help me enormously to reassess each of these 17, perhaps one a day?

Thank you for always inspiring us my friend.

Rose, I am sorry to hear about your back pain. Hang in there and do what you’re no doubt doing to heal. I am thinking of you and hope you recover fully soon. 🙂

This is wonderful. The French like to say that things are “correct,” or done “correctly.” It means much more than accuracy. It’s attention to detail without being slavish about it. The whole moderation thing. So work is done correctly–you work hard and do a good job but you take your lunch break and go home on time. Clothing is correct–clean, pressed, stylish, without being overly revealing, sloppy, or in disrepair. People are correct–polite without being either hostile or gushing. Restaurant portions are correct–good value but not more than one can eat. The word correct applies to so many things. And it seems be to integral to the simply luxurious life.

Intriguing concept. Thank you for sharing.

Awesome read! Thank you, Shannon 🙂

Jessica, Thank you for stopping by. 🙂

Great read and I almost immediately go into relaxation mode reading this blog post. Putting each of these steps in place takes time but well worth the effort. Shannon, I have been following your blog for a few years now and have slowly been creating my sancutary, minding my money and buying flowers weekly to name a few and the creation of simple luxurious life all starting to add up. Simple steps, big improvements! In the spirit of the All-Star games, This post is a home run!!!!!!! Thank you.

Lynette, so happy to hear! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your journey.

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eTail Boston 2024

August 12 - 15, 2024

Boston Marriott Copley Place, MA

What Is Luxury? Understanding the Changing Consumer Mindset Of Luxury Brands

What makes a brand a "luxury" brand is it the quality of the materials the design the price tag yes, yes, and yes - but if these were the only criteria, everything from smartphones to well-made running shoes would be considered luxury items..

The key to luxury is and always will be centered around an idea of exclusivity - the feeling that not everyone will be able to get their hands on or experience whatever it is that the brand is selling. However, while this feeling is usually evoked through perceptions of quality, comfort, and elegance, the term "luxury" is evolving to encompass several additional things to consumers around the globe. "Luxury" has a different meaning today than it did to previous generations.

Last year, Marriott International and Skift Research conducted a worldwide survey of more than 5,000 high-income luxury consumers to capture attitudinal and behavioral differences toward luxury across the US, UK, China, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. One of the key things to emerge from the study was that roughly 75% of respondents across all markets said that "luxury has a different meaning today than it did to my parents' generation."

(Image source: skiftx.com )

What's Changed?

Globalization, combined with the disruptive impact of the internet and digital technology, is creating a much broader, multidimensional perspective on what quality, luxury, and exclusivity can be. Though high-income luxury consumers still cherish long-held concepts of luxury - such as quality, comfort, and elegance - around the world, they are doing so through the prism of a new set of aspirations and lifestyle goals.

One key takeaway from the survey revealed that high-end consumers use luxury purchases to differentiate themselves from peers. While this isn't particularly surprising and hasn't changed much from previous generations, it was also found that today's luxury consumers believe that not all luxury purchases are necessarily the most expensive, signifying that the bragging rights they seek don't necessarily center around their ability to make exorbitant purchases alone.

For instance, a significant minority of respondents - about one-third across all markets - disagreed that the most worthwhile travel experiences typically cost the most, suggesting that a re-evaluation of priorities is taking place.

As Tina Edmundson , Global Brand Officer at Marriott International, puts it: "Our guests are seeking out experiences that help them express who they are, so their approach to luxury continues to be less formal, entirely more personal, and defined more by their interests and mindset than their geography and demographic. They want more than just to trust a hotel brand. They want to align with a company's brand pillars, more consciously than before, that advocate for their priorities."

One example of a luxury brand catering to its luxury customers' personal aspirations is W Hotels , which has long-embraced values like diversity, inclusivity, creativity, and openness. For example, the hotel brand's " Turn It Up for Change " event series - produced in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign - involved monthly music events to promote awareness of LGBTQ rights and marriage equality. "W Hotels is a good example of a brand to which luxury consumers are increasingly drawn because it communicates a sense of purpose beyond just existing to sell something," said Edmundson.

Personal Fulfilment and Self-Actualization

The concepts of self-actualization and personal fulfillment indeed appear to be at the heart of what high-end consumers want and expect from "luxury" experiences today. As Skift and Marriott's research reveals, more than 75% of survey respondents across all markets either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that they find "more value in goods and services that enable them to learn something new." As the report notes, this, once again, implies a shift in priorities from notions of "what you can do" to "who you can be".

In addition, luxury consumers also want to be seen as "early adopters" of new technology. Over half of respondents in the US and UK, and two-thirds or more in China, Mexico, and the UAE said that it was either likely or very likely that they would "adopt the latest apps and online services before their friends." For luxury brands, this means that it is becoming increasingly important to go beyond simply providing the "status quo" when it comes to the tech services they offer. Affluent consumers are looking to differentiate themselves from others through being "ahead of the curve" in the technology they use, so brands need to appeal to these desires by being on the cutting edge of new tech tools and applications.

Final Thoughts

Affluent consumers may be spending more on luxury goods and services than ever before, and they may still be using these purchases to help shape their identity - but, increasingly, luxury is no longer defined only by concepts of quality, comfort, and elegance. Indeed, luxury expenditures are today going well beyond products that are expensive, produced by coveted brands, or simply hard to get hold of.

Instead, there is a shift from the external to an internalization of what is considered to be "luxury". Today's high-earning consumers are looking for experiences that help them learn, differentiate themselves, express who they are, and have a purpose beyond comfort and pampering. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in this, and luxury brands will do well to ensure they are incorporating emerging tech - such as artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality experiences - into their offering.

Ultimately, the concept of "luxury" is becoming less about products consumers want to own or places they want to visit, and more about who they want to be. Luxury brands that understand this, and help their customers live up to self-actualization aspirations can give themselves a competitive advantage in the evolving world of luxury.

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Books about the Luxurious Lifestyle

Introduction

There are numerous benefits of reading – that is a fact. Books are the things that allow us to delve into different worlds that offer us various experiences that are usually unavailable in real life. Other books are motivating us to achieve more! I could write my essay about various positive outcomes of reading books due to my college experience or order someone to write my essay for me. 

However, I decided to approach the topic as a college assignment, and my goal is to explore luxurious lifestyle books. While some may think that this sort of genre is quite irritating, it can be quite motivating, especially if you consider the classic American Dream that was present in the US. So, consider this piece as one of the paper topics that you might encounter as a student; those topics might be confusing, but they’re actually easy to cover.

Crazy Rich Asians

A big-screen adaptation of this novel hit the big screen with huge success, but it’s based on a novel written by Kevin Kwan. Basically, it is a very funny story about scheming, gossiping, and other classic aspects of upper-class life. However, it is flavored in a very interesting manner. It is about a girl, American-born Chinese, who decides to spend a summer with her boyfriend in Singapore only to find out that he’s one of the top bachelors in Asia! However, this puts a target on her back. So, it is a story about a clash of fates between a girl and her boyfriend’s environment. A great book for a student to explore if you’re tasked with a paper assignment to write on literature.

The Great Gatsby

Ah, the classics. There are so many pieces written about this one. This is a great novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald about the “Jazz Age” that is also known for the Great Depression. Basically, it is a novel about a really-really wealthy Jay Gatsby and his feelings for Daisy Buchanan. I could hire someone to write my essay about it because of this novel’s multitude of topics to explore! Looking through the essays by EduBirdie may actually help in exploring these topics fully. This is one of those luxurious lifestyle books that tell about the life of that 1 % during the years when you could achieve anything because of the circumstances! A great story for a student who wants to write a college assignment in an essay format.

Fifty Shades of Grey

While you may think that this is not the best book to write my essay on, it is quite suitable as a topic for writing an assignment. You’re likely familiar with this title – it was one of the US bestsellers at the time of its release, and it received a movie adaptation. Although Fifty Shades of Grey and is categorized as an erotic novel, it is actually one of the luxurious lifestyle books of sorts. It’s a story about the relationship of a young literature student Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, a young yet handsome and brilliant entrepreneur. It is a story of a powerful man who knows about his power because of all the luxury he was able to accumulate, so, even when it comes to relationships, he participates on his own, dark, terms. 

As you can see, exploring luxurious lifestyle books is quite interesting. They allow us to peek into the lives of that 1% that are not covered by paparazzi. These people may be haunted by their own demons, either accumulated when or after becoming rich. A very interesting topic to explore, and it could easily provide a student writing a college essay with a new perception of rich people – one of the obvious examples of the benefits of reading.

Episodes from poet’s life are recounted in essays | DON NOBLE

Students at the University of Alabama in the late ’60s and early ’70s will remember James Seay. Tall, slender, with long brown hair, and a black eye patch over his right eye, Seay taught poetry writing and was a presence.

His first book, “Let Not Your Hart,” won the prestigious Wesleyan Prize for poetry in 1970. The verse is luminously accessible, a miracle by today’s standards, and many concern his childhood in Mississippi, in Panola County — just east of the Delta.

More: Novel explores apocalypse and religion in Mississippi | DON NOBLE

Seay wrote of poverty. A poem about fishing for catfish by hand, grabbling in Yokna Bottom, concludes “The well-fed do not wade this low river.”

There are poems of hard work, often amusing and admiring.

“Kelly Dug a Hole” is a hymn of praise to simple tasks done perfectly. “Kelly’s hole was true.” If, one day, the building collapses, the last part to fail will be where Kelly dug.

And there is of course a poem about shopping, with his father, for a glass eye after losing his eye to a lawn mower. The boy knows the salesman “would not find my soft brown eye, not in a thousand leather trays.”

Now, half a century and six volumes of poetry later, James Seay has published a book of 20 essays, “Come! Come! Where? Where?: Essays.”

The first — and the last — speak of a loss even greater than the loss of his eye. Seay and his ex-wife, Lee Smith, lost their son Josh to mental illness and early death at 33.

Several return to the themes of “Let Not Your Hart.” Some recount stories of laboring and as foreman of laborers.

In the ironically titled “Big Boss Man,” set in 1959, he is supervising a crew of Black and white workers constructing a classroom building at Ole Miss. The racial and class currents are almost too complex to relate. The Black workers work with and are separate from the white workers. The blue-collar whites resent Seay, the educated boy and their boss. But he concludes, generously, that the surliest among them is just trying to feed his family.

The essays are scattered through time and space.

There are several accounts of fishing trips, a few of literary commentary, and a fresh essay on some places in Faulkner that are Seay’s own places.

The funniest piece is “Avian Voices: Trying Not To Kill a Mockingbird.” In addition to giving musical pleasure, mockingbirds can be very irritating

One favorite is his 1987 visit or attempted visit to Chekhov’s grave. That day there happened to be a funeral for a Soviet official. The guard was under orders to allow no one else into the cemetery.

Seay explained, pled, that he might never again be in the country. “Nyet.”

Desperate to be admitted, Seay has his translator tell the guard “I am a relative of Chekhov”: “My adult life has been given to the cause of literature.”

And that’s the truth.

Don Noble’s newest book is Alabama Noir, a collection of original stories by Winston Groom, Ace Atkins, Carolyn Haines, Brad Watson, and eleven other Alabama authors.

“Come! Come! Where? Where?: Essays”

Author: James Seay

Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 2024

Price: $22.95

To the moms all alone on Mother's Day, I see you and you are enough.

Most of my 14 years of motherhood felt like Mother’s Day was spent alone, including some of the years I was married.

Every May, when the second Sunday in May comes around, I think of the women who are where I was in multiple places of my mother journey: scared, alone and envious of the moms with a supportive partner at home.

This year, I've written a letter to every single mother struggling to celebrate herself today, who feels inferior to the other families she sees.

When the flowers don't come, when there are no "thank yous," when there is no one posting our picture, I want us to remember where our gift truly lies.

To our kids, this is the life and this love is enough. So, we can raise our glass.

Dear, single mom on Mother's Day

Maybe you woke up a little early today to give yourself the gift of solitude. There is no one to tag in at the end of the day. It’s exhausting.

You might get a few minutes before feelings of inadequacy come flooding in. You are reminded of all the things you can't do, never seeing all that you have. You wonder how a single-parent home is affecting your kids, who will be down in a matter of moments.

Then, the day will begin just like any other day.

Maybe there were once flowers waiting for you. Maybe there were never flowers at all. You may find crumpled up Mother's Day art in your kids' backpack today, but they may not recognize that there should be anything to celebrate.

You will prepare every meal, answer every request, create every moment, wipe every tear and calm every fear. But your requests will be left unmet, your moments 60 seconds at a time, your tears wiped by your own hand and your fears, ever ponding.

Yet every day you show up and you do it, maybe with a little envy for the two-parent home down the street, because it's hard to be a full-time parent and a full-time provider. You can't possibly do either perfectly well.

If you're feeling discouraged today, seeing only your lack, look inside.

You are the creator of all the good that you see.

Tonight, when you tuck in your kids, witness your gifts.

There may have not been anything on the table this morning, you may have cleaned up the house and cooked every meal, but there is peace in the room. There is joy on their faces. There is a tangible love providing security like the blanket wrapped around their feet.

Your family is not inferior.

You are enough. Your kids know it, and some day someone else will too.

But it has to start with you.

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Your married friend may be struggling, too

Single mothers should know that married mothers aren't necessarily better supported. Sure, they may have flowers, but just like you, they have learned how to water themselves.

There were Mother's Days when all I felt was hollow. There were flowers, photos, dinners and lots of hugs, but it obscured a darker reality. Presence doesn't equal support. Lonely doesn't equal alone.

Knowing my "enoughness" led me back into singleness and back to the mother I've always been. So, cherish where you are and never trade your peace for support. Recognize yourself and celebrate this day.

Last year, I bought myself a bouquet of wildflowers, and this year, I bought myself a few.

My gift is this home I've created and the peace I feel at night. Sure, it may be a little messy, but it is far from inferior.

When I release my kids into the world, they will take this love that they've been given and begin planting it in places of their own, definitely better than if they had grown up in our broken two-parent home.

Yet I know that you, like me, may have a desire to share your life with someone. Just make sure that they are a seer too, a seer of your worth and your "enoughness," on more than just this special day.