Living a Life of Luxury
Do you want to live a life of luxury? I know I do! Several years ago I realized that I get to choose, to a certain extent, what type of life I want to live. You see, I was busy pinching pennies, spending as little as I possibly could, and saving money.
I had started a home business and that was one of the main “extravagances” that I allowed myself. If I needed something for that business, I would find the best deal that I could and buy it – it was for the business and I considered those purchases an investment. Sometimes I would see items that I wanted to try or gifts that I wanted to buy someone, but I rarely bought those items and when I did, I felt guilty for having spent the money. I didn’t need personal items, but a new scale for the company was perfectly acceptable. I was fine with investing in the business, but in the process I forgot to invest in the people around me and myself.
Then one day a question popped into my mind, “What are you working towards? Where do you see yourself years from now when your business is a success?” And then it occurred, the picture I had of my life years from now didn’t include pinching pennies – there were gifts I wanted to buy, clothes and makeup I wanted to try, books I wanted to read!
Luxury: A pleasure out of the ordinary
So little by little, I began allowing a bit of luxury into my life. Now when birthdays come around for friends and family I delight in finding the perfect gifts! I love looking at specialty shops, be it Etsy or Anthropologie, and choosing luxury gifts for others! And as I finish basic necessities such as shampoo or soap, I eagerly search for something that I have been wanting to try! These special items bring joy and remind me of the sweet perks that God grants me! And it is never fails to amaze me that if you just remember to look, something remarkable and exceptional is often available for a comparable price to something utilitarian and basic.
I’ve tried to be realistic in this switch from least-expensive-item-possible to items that I’ve dreamed of giving and using. I typically only buy new luxury items when I need a gift for someone or need something replaced…or perhaps after a bonus in work! And you know, just because I might consider something a bit more expensive, doesn’t mean that is what I get – but I love living a life of abundance and having the option!
Luxury isn’t about buying expensive things. It’s about not waiting until you’re “rich” (when is that, again?) to give the gifts that you dream of giving! It’s about seizing the moment and living your “someday” dreams, right now! No, I’m not encouraging spending more than you have or squandering your money. I simply want to remind you of what I was reminded – “what am I working for?” – because if it isn’t to be able to give and buy those items that you’d love to give and buy “someday”, what’s the point of working any more than you have to?!
We only live life once and it is so important to enjoy it and find beauty in it! Sometimes the simplest things help remind us and others of just how lovely life is and how abundantly blessed we are by God! And that is a luxury that I love!
What about you? Do you like to give luxurious items to others?! Where are some of your favorite places to find quality, luxury gifts?! I’d love it if you’d share!
Until Next Time!
Hope.