LUXURY, LUX, LUXE
What's Yours?
What is your definition of luxury?
Luxury, whether spelled Lux or Luxe, evokes a feeling of warmth, freedom, and security. Yet, what feels like a luxury to one person may be another’s everyday reality.
Recently, I found myself reflecting on my reality, particularly the aging process. At this stage in my life, good health is my ultimate luxury. It grants me the ability to participate fully as a member of my family. It allows me to engage in a social life as well as stay active in my work life.
Money, too, can be a luxury. I believe that having money can contribute to happiness, but it cannot create or guarantee it. True happiness isn’t something money can buy or force upon you. But if you have the luxury of money you’re spared many worries.
Time itself can be a luxury. During school years, there’s never enough time to study. In the working years, deadlines make it feel like there’s never enough time to finish your project. And in the parenting years, there’s never enough time for anything at all—parenting consumes every hour of every day.
“They” aren’t wrong when they say, ‘Once you have a child, you’ll never get a full night’s sleep again.’
Friendships can be a luxury for some. As adults, building trust in others takes time and lots of effort. But trust is the foundation of true friendship, when you find it, it can be one of life’s greatest luxuries.
I asked several friends what their definition of the word luxury was, here are three answers:
DB: The ability to help others, even in the smallest ways. For DB, luxury is found in both tangible and intangible forms—her ability to assist others is what she values most.
CS: Finding inner peace and not having to worry about money. CS recognizes that inner peace can sometimes be lost, and for her, the ability to restore and maintain it is the ultimate luxury.
JF: The freedom to travel, make purchases without restraint, and solve problems with money. And I believe JF is right, problems create stress, and if money can solve the problem, the stress disappears.
I believe a person’s definition of luxury evolves with life’s milestones.
In my 20s, luxury meant clothes, shoes, and travel.
By my 50s, it was the priceless gift of still having my parents and grandparents around.
Now? I’m okay with fewer clothes (well, sort of, I do work in a clothing store). I spent my 30s, 40s, and 50s traveling the world, and slowing down feels just right.
Today, my greatest luxury is my health.
What’s your greatest luxury?