For each person, the journey toward the luxury of a simple life is unique, shaped by individual choices and self-awareness. Following a course to create everyday luxury can help you intentionally cultivate small pleasures and mindful experiences that elevate daily living.

The first thing that pops into our minds when we think of the word luxury are material possessions. Right? I happen to love the meaning of the word for a different reason. Luxury, to me, is a ‘lasting’ state of great emotional comfort. A material possession brings a woman instant comfort, like a shooting star. An emotional state of luxury, that I find intoxicating reminds me of the North Star, shining bright and stable.

Embracing simple living can be a conscious choice or philosophy that brings lasting fulfillment and a deeper sense of luxury. The French approach to luxury, for example, emphasizes savoring everyday luxury and appreciating simple pleasures, quality, and beauty in ordinary moments.

What Does the Word Luxury Mean to You?

Summer is upon up in my beautiful Chicago. I luxuriate as I leave of our condo in the sky and step out into the balmy air. As I inhale I immediately feel refreshed. There is a simple luxury in walking through the city, taking in the sights and sounds, or strolling through nature and savoring each moment. I often think of the warmth of my past life in Honolulu and for a fleeting few minutes, I feel myself relax and look back…

Ten years of living in Honolulu, Hawaii, had the most profound and positive impact on my life. I am, to this day, so grateful for the experience.

I hope my story will have an impact on you.

Living in the Islands connected me to my love of nature, to simply be, and my deep spirituality. To this day I am ever so grateful.

It was not until I moved to the Islands did I realize that this had been implanted in my DNA. My love of nature and my deep spirituality and desire for luxurious simplicity was part of me. The Islands brought it to light. I am grateful.

Life on an Island, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and the vision of Diamond Head from one of my daughter’s bedrooms. The sun seemed to rise out of the Sea each morning, filling our world with direct sunlight and warmth. There was the moon’s reflection on the ever-changing ocean. Orchid plants gave me a daily dose of joy. The trade winds quietly blowing through the open windows of our house, brought untold happiness and personal growth. For ten years, I could simply be. The unique style of island living, with its effortless elegance and connection to nature, shaped my appreciation for a simple luxury lifestyle.

What is more luxurious?

Oh sure, I had misgivings, problems, and nonsense going on in my life. But the island environment, an easy laid back simple lifestyle, kept me focused on what was really important. Always, I would fall back into a healthy reality. Now, whether on the island or in the city, I am mindful of how I spend my time and resources, choosing experiences and moments that bring a sense of luxury and fulfillment.

Unlike most people, who often see luxury as extravagance or excess, I found true luxury in the comfort and simplicity of my house and surroundings.

I am grateful.

From Island Life to My Beautiful Chicago

I left the lifestyle due to the unexpected death of my late husband. A year and one day later, I moved to ‘my beautiful Chicago.’  And a year after that, moved into my apartment in the sky overlooking the grandiose Lake Michigan reminding me, happily, of my still-missed Pacific Ocean and island life. The comfort of having my own bathroom and own washer in this apartment is a daily luxury that I deeply appreciate, offering privacy and convenience that make city living feel special. There is a peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about basic comforts, which allows me to focus on adapting to my new environment. Occasionally, I put my phone aside to be fully present and enjoy the moment, which helps me appreciate these simple luxuries even more.

To feed my soul I have orchids and live palms that bring nature into my life. I truly thrive as I watch the morning sunrise out of Lake Michigan and the evening moon and stars shining light over the water. On very cloudy days, I open a window and, on rare occasions, I catch part of a cloud as it seeps in to say, hello. Our condo in the sky has become my Island.

I am grateful.

“No man is an island, no man stands alone.” Life gets in our way. Right? During times of transition, it is essential to share mutual trust with loved ones, as this support makes all the difference.

Like you, I have obligations and family demands. I have community interests, social pressures, and the ever-widening demands of a full life. My mind often reels in the city. Whereas the island luxuriously reeled me back into my personal reality and what was important. The island’s mood helped me deflect that which I did not need or really want. She simplified my lifestyle.

I am sure my story makes you question the environment you are living in and how it intertwines and affects your daily mood.

What is the answer to a meaningful lifestyle? What constitutes living in the lap of emotional luxury for you may be totally different from what it is for me. I hope you will want to create your own version by embracing the mindset of a simple sophisticate—cultivating good taste, meaningful living, and a focus on quality over quantity in your daily life.

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The Importance of Basic Needs

When we talk about living a simple life, it’s easy to overlook the quiet luxuries that form the very foundation of our well-being. So many people in the world are still striving to meet their most basic needs—food, clean drinking water, a safe apartment, and access to healthcare. For those of us who have enough money to provide these essentials, it’s a good reminder that true luxury often lies in the simple things we might take for granted.

Think about the comfort of a warm comforter on a winter’s night, or the soothing relief of a hot shower after a long day. These are not just simple luxuries—they are gifts that enrich our lives in ways that expensive things never could. The comfort we experience at home is often the result of effort put into creating a welcoming and restful environment, from choosing quality bedding to maintaining a clean, organized space. Having safe water piped directly into our homes, carefully treated and ready at a few taps, is a privilege that many people around the world can only dream of. The ability to work indoors, protected from the elements, is another form of luxury that was once reserved for only the richest people in history. Even a full spice cabinet, ready to add flavor to a home-cooked meal, or a piece of quality chocolate savored at the end of the day, is a small but meaningful joy.

Behind these comforts are the unsung heroes—sanitation workers—who handle all the garbage and ensure regular trash removal, keeping our communities clean and helping us avoid smelling the refuse of daily life. Their work, often a low paying job, is essential to our health and well-being, yet it’s easy to forget the luxury of living in a place where such services are reliable.

Health insurance, too, is a form of security that allows us to rest easy, knowing that our well-being is protected. And the simple act of locking our doors at night, keeping our possessions safe, is a comfort that brings peace of mind.

Living simply doesn’t mean living without. It means appreciating the little gifts—a comfortable bed, a hot shower, a safe apartment, or the ability to buy a birthday cake for a loved one. It’s about finding joy in a good week, sharing mutual trust with a solid life partner, and having the freedom to focus on what truly matters, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to others or getting lost in the rat race.

The word luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive things or a life of excess. Sometimes, true luxury is found in the simple lifestyle we create for ourselves—one where our basic needs are met, our lives are filled with love and purpose, and we have more control over our well-being. By living simply and appreciating these everyday luxuries, we can find peace, contentment, and a sense of richness that even a medieval king might have envied.

So, the next time you enjoy a hot shower, rest in your comfortable bed, or open your spice cabinet to prepare a meal, remember: these are the simple luxuries that make life truly luxurious. Let’s cherish them, and never forget how fortunate we are to live a life where the basics are not just met, but celebrated.

The Role of Gratitude in Simple Living

Gratitude is truly the heart of a simply luxurious life. When we pause to appreciate the little luxuries woven into our everyday life, we unlock a sense of true contentment that no great expense or material possession can rival. As Shannon Ables, the inspiring voice behind the TSLL blog, so often reminds us, it’s the simple moments—a morning sunrise, the scent of fresh flowers on the table, or the quiet pleasure of sipping tea in a lovely corner of your home—that create a life filled with beauty and joy.

Incorporating gratitude into our daily life doesn’t require a grand gesture or a dramatic change. It’s about noticing the amazing little things that make each day special: the warmth of a good book in your hands, the laughter of loved ones around the dinner table, or the peaceful ritual of enjoying your morning coffee as sunlight streams through the window. These are the moments that fill our lives with meaning and remind us that true luxury is found in the present, not in the pursuit of more.

Practicing gratitude on a regular basis can be as simple as jotting down three things you’re thankful for each night, or taking a moment each morning to reflect on the beauty that surrounds you. The TSLL blog is a wonderful resource for ideas and advice on how to cultivate this mindset, offering inspiration for creating a home and a life that feels both simply luxurious and deeply fulfilling. Whether it’s arranging fresh flowers, setting aside time for personal growth, or finding new ways to connect with loved ones, the blog encourages us to realize the power of gratitude in shaping our own journey.

By focusing on gratitude, we become more self-aware and attuned to the abundance already present in our lives. We begin to see that true luxury isn’t about what we own, but about how we live—how we savor the little things, how we treat ourselves and others, and how we fill our days with intention and joy. As Shannon Ables beautifully puts it, “True luxury is a state of mind, and it’s available to everyone, every day.”

So, as you move through your calendar year, let gratitude be your guide. Create space for the simple pleasures—a walk in nature, a cup of tea, a heartfelt conversation—and let these moments inspire you to live your best self. In doing so, you’ll discover that a simply luxurious life is not only possible, but absolutely within reach, every single day.

Tips for Living in Simple Luxury:

• Pare down on material possessions and reduce unnecessary stuff (shooting stars).
• Appreciate each simple thing in daily life, recognizing how basic essentials can bring comfort and joy.
• Be who you are. Don’t wear a mask.
• Do away with unnecessary complications.
• Delete people who do not make your heart sing or bring something to the table.
• Simplification of one’s outer look will never be enough.
• Read an inspiring e-book for daily meditations and ideas on simple luxury living—an accessible way to bring everyday luxury and inspiration into your routine.
• Live. Love. Laugh.
• Be grateful.

What Does Emotional Luxury Mean to You?

Don’t get me wrong, darling. I still adore a beautifully made Italian scarf or a pair of earrings that catch the light just right. But these days, true luxury for me feels less about the things I can buy and more about the richness of everyday experiences—so many simple luxuries that we often overlook.

It’s the quiet joy of watching the sunrise from my floor-to-ceiling windows in my condo-in-the-sky, a steaming cup of coffee in hand in one of my favorite, meaningful mugs. Or the sense of peace that comes from journaling or writing to you. These simple moments, where I can truly be present and connect with myself, are the diamonds that truly sparkle in my life—experiences that would have been worth fortunes in another era.

Living a simple life doesn’t mean living a deprived one. It’s about surrounding yourself with things that nourish your soul and cultivating a sense of well-being that goes beyond material possessions. The luxury of being pain free is something I treasure deeply, knowing that good health is a gift not everyone enjoys. The warmth of a cozy blanket on a winter’s night, or the comfort of a hot shower, are luxuries that bring immense comfort. The joy of love bringing—giving a small gift or act of kindness to a child or loved one—reminds me how meaningful these gestures can be. Even having clean water at the turn of a tap, thanks to modern water processing, is a luxury that many in the world still lack. Sometimes I reflect on how different my life is from that of a day laborer, working outdoors in harsh conditions, and I am reminded to appreciate these comforts all the more. It’s about creating space for the things that truly matter – meaningful connections, personal growth, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. And that, darling, is a luxury worth cherishing.

Above all, our answers lie in your DNA. so listen to your heart (the North Star.) It knows. And, then when the time is right let me know. I love to share.

DO YOU AGREE AND A SIMPLE LIFE IS A LUXURIOUS LIFE? LET’S CHAT ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! (I ALSO ANSWER EVERY COMMENT PERSONALLY.)