There’s so much time and conversation spent trying to create a “better life.” From travel perks and credit card benefits to upgraded experiences and conveniences that promise to make everyday life easier, we’re constantly being encouraged to upgrade, optimize, and add more.
Does a better life really require “more?”
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying these things, but I think it’s fair to question whether they take up more real estate in our minds than they’re actually worth.
There’s something to be said for not always needing more from your life. Yet, in our society, simplicity is rarely recognized as a luxury. I’ve always found that idea a little backwards. Some of the things that make life feel richest aren’t upgrades or additions. It can be as simple as slowing down to appreciate what’s already there.
Everyday Luxuries We Often Overlook
Of course, your idea of luxury may look completely different from mine. We’re all a little different, after all. But I think there are plenty of things we experience regularly that we hardly stop to appreciate. Things that, at another point in our lives, or in someone else’s life, might have felt like an incredible luxury.
Having an unhurried cup of morning coffee, coming home to a comfortable space, or even sitting down for a genuinely good conversation can make an ordinary day feel surprisingly rich.
1. An Afternoon with Nowhere to Be
Can we just appreciate how rare it feels to have absolutely nowhere to be? Life gets busy, and before we know it, we’re rushing from one day to the next, running on autopilot, and always looking ahead. What if we just took a free afternoon? Nothing to check off, no to-dos on the calendar, and no errands that have somehow taken up the entire day.
Brian and I have learned to sink into these stretches of unscheduled time, especially when things get chaotic. Whether we’re hanging at the house or working on a random project, we just appreciate that there’s no real timeline. There’s no productivity goal attached to it and no reason to spend money just because we have free time.
And while we don’t have kids, I think there’s something especially valuable about giving kids that same kind of freedom. It’s a rite of passage to experience being bored, follow a curiosity, wander outside, or simply see where an afternoon takes them.
2. A Really Good Night’s Sleep
I’ve always been a bit envious of those who are able to sleep right through the night and wake up completely refreshed. I mean, man, a really good night’s sleep can seriously feel like hitting the reset button on your whole body. You can feel the difference almost immediately.
You have more patience and energy to take on the day and whatever else gets thrown at you. What more could you want?! I’ve reached a point where I actually appreciate the boring little things that contribute to good sleep, like clean sheets, blackout curtains, a comfortable room, and not drinking half a gallon of water right before bed.
I know that rest is easy to overlook, but it’s truly one of those simple luxuries that can completely change how you experience your day, not to mention your year.
3. A Well-Stocked Kitchen
It goes without saying that a roof over your head and food in your belly are blessings as they are. But when you have enough security to keep your kitchen stocked with favorite ingredients, pantry staples, and fresh produce, that can feel like a true everyday luxury. I love opening the fridge and knowing I have plenty of options to whip something together without having to make another trip to the grocery store.
A well-stocked kitchen not only makes eating at home so much easier, but it also keeps us from unnecessarily spending on dining out or takeaway. Having the freedom to make what we want, when we want it, is a convenience I don’t want to take for granted. It may not sound like much to some folks, but having plenty of good food waiting for you at home is pretty fantastic.
4. A Good Conversation
A genuinely good conversation is one of those things that costs absolutely nothing but can leave you feeling incredibly fulfilled. You know those conversations where you lose complete track of time or somehow effortlessly jump from one topic to the next, only to end up diving into something far deeper than you intended? It’s a reminder that good moments with great people are a luxury in and of themselves.
Transitioning from graduate school to full-time work, then eventually self-employment, has been an interesting adjustment when it comes to finding those conversations. Meaningful conversation used to be so readily available, but I’ve had to become more intentional about finding it. Between our phones, isolated routines, and the distance that became so normal during COVID, it sometimes feels like people have forgotten how to simply engage with one another. And I say that as an introvert.
Human connection is such a rich part of life, and building a community where we can support one another, contribute, debate, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company is worth making the effort for.
5. A Comfortable Pair of Shoes
I used to be on my feet 10+ hours a day. Trust when I say that I quickly learned how amazing a comfortable pair of shoes can be! A good pair of shoes can completely change your day, especially if you’re someone who walks everywhere, travels a lot, or spends hours on your feet.
Whether you’re getting through a long day at work or hitting a new hiking trail, comfortable shoes let you explore longer and generally forget about your feet altogether. Now that is a pretty nice luxury to me!
6. A Home That Works For You
Forget all that “keeping up with the Jones'” nonsense. Screw that. A home feels richest when it reflects the people who actually live there. Some people may care about the surface-level stuff, but I personally find that what matters is a comfortable, functional home that supports our lives.
Sure, our home has a few curated pieces we picked out just for us, but it’s also filled with hand-me-downs, college finds, and a handful of thrifted items. It works! As often as we pop in and out of town, or even if we’re out for the day, it always feels good to walk in the door and into a place that feels like home. Our home.
7. Knowing You Don’t Have to Say Yes
There’s a certain freedom that comes with realizing you don’t have to say yes to everything. Pass on the invitation, skip the purchase, or just decide that something isn’t for you. You don’t necessarily need a reason to say no, and you don’t need to feel guilty about it.
Life is short! Being intentional about where we direct our time, money, and energy gives you more room for the things you actually care about. We’re constantly being bombarded with opportunities to say yes and do more, but sometimes the richer choice, the more luxurious option…is to just say no.
A Rich Life Doesn’t Have to Cost Much
When I think about what makes a life feel rich, it rarely has anything to do with the things we’re constantly told we should want. I mean, sure, a nice car, a beautiful house, or a healthy bank account can certainly make life more comfortable. But those things alone don’t make us feel whole.
There are so many things all around us that can make life feel rich without us even realizing it…Time to slow down. Rest when our bodies need it. A stocked kitchen. A genuinely good conversation. The simple comfort of shoes that let you forget about your feet. A home that works for the life you’re actually living. And perhaps most importantly, the freedom to decide what deserves your time, money, and energy in the first place.
For me, it’s a great morning workout followed by a nice cup of coffee. It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon nap, a spontaneous road trip, or spending time with family without worrying about tomorrow. Your version might look completely different.
We’re not all going to agree on what feels luxurious, but I think it’s worth remembering that luxury doesn’t always mean more. Sometimes, it means slowing down and appreciating what’s already here.
What’s already part of your life that you might be overlooking as a luxury?
