What do you consider a luxury?

In a world that worships speed, noise, and accumulation, we often forget that the most precious luxuries are not things you can buy — they’re moments, feelings, and freedoms that can’t be measured in price tags.

Real luxury is:

• Time — unhurried, unclaimed hours that belong entirely to you. You can never retrieve it once it is wasted. So please think twice about the trivial time wasters we all indulge in daily. Savor the minutes, and stay away from time wasters. Mine are social media and being able to watch movie clips at will on YouTube or sites like that. It is fun but not memorable.
• Health — the strength to move, breathe, and live without pain. Nothing is more important for enjoying all the good things in life. Our health is in our hands for the most part. When our bodies break down, it is not random, chance, or bad luck. There is often a reason that we know if we are honest. It might be emotional, or it might be a toxic environment, or food choices. Usually, our health is damaged by taking medication prescribed by a doctor ostensibly to help us feel better. Side effects of prescribed drugs are the third largest cause of death (killer of people) in the USA.
• A quiet mind — free from constant worry and restless thoughts. You can learn by meditation and other calming practices to quiet your mind. You can even self-hypnotize, lower your blood pressure, and calm your nerves. It is empowering to learn how to do this.
• Slow mornings — when you can rise without hurrying. Getting up to an alarm clock, rushing to the office or some other job where you must clock in, causes tension. I used to take a Pilates class at 6:30 in the morning. I had to rise at 5:30 AM to make it on time. I loved the class, but getting there was stressful, especially in the dark in winter. When they changed the time to 6:00 AM, I quit. That extra half hour was a bridge too far. And it has been so pleasant since I stopped going to that class. Almost all my mornings are slow now as I am in my 80s. I luxuriate in a last cuddle with my dogs before I arise. I dress at a leisurely pace. It is a great joy.
• The ability to travel — to see the world beyond your doorstep. Traveling is so important because people and places really are different. Those who have never been outside the USA often have no idea what it is like in foreign countries. The “Vibe” is different. Customs are different, and sometimes baffling. But best of all, when you come home, you are grateful to be here in this great country where you are free to choose how you will live.
• Rest without guilt — because you know you’ve earned your peace. For some people, resting is considered laziness. But for many others, rest is when brilliant ideas seep into our minds. Rest allows our bodies to reboot and regenerate. It is necessary for our good health to be peaceful and pleasant.
• A good night’s sleep — deep, uninterrupted, and restorative. As we age, this becomes more difficult. Waking in the middle of the night at least once to use the bathroom becomes the norm later in life. Sleeping like a baby is for babies. Being in a country that is not at war is a blessing. We should all have the right to draw the curtains without fear of going to bed and waking up in a dangerous situation.
• Calm, even boring days — where nothing urgent demands you. These days are a gift. Cherish them. Days when there is time to reflect and ponder enrich the soul. Peace of mind is one of the many jewels in my heart. Not everyone can manage that, as life is complicated. But it is something to seek. May you have many calm days and nights, too.

• Meaningful conversations — the kind that stay with you for years. So much drivel about unimportant views or subjects takes up time we could use in deep conversation. Keep clear of shallow people. Those who talk of Hollywood, flamboyant influencers, or people who critique every single thing anyone famous does. Who cares, really? Keep your words fresh for meaningful conversations. Rely on friendships and family to hone your ideas about life, love, and the Universe. Put down that iPad and use your phone to actually speak to someone in real time.
• Home-cooked meals — made with care, shared with love. Some of our fondest memories are cooking with parents or grandparents. My mother taught me to make fudge when I was little. How I loved that time. When I became a mother, I indulged my children by baking cookies. When we needed a fun task on a rainy day, I made chocolate chip cookies from scratch with my children, letting them help. Yum! I can still smell baking cookies in my imagination and see the anticipation in my children’s eyes. My grown son has a garden near me. The abundance of vegetables forces me to invent new ways to cook them. Cooking is excellent for one’s creative tendencies, and I love it. My family appreciates it when I cook for them, and it warms my soul.
• People you love and those who love you back — life’s most significant wealth. This brings children into the conversation. They can be one of the greatest joys, first as helpless babies and even more when old enough for conversation. Once they are adults, they can be your trusted friends. This closeness does not work out for everyone, but it is something to strive for. Then there are the people you choose to be close to on purpose. Old friends are priceless, and new friends are a gift. Surround yourself with friends and family. If you have a partner or are married, love one another. Love conquers all.

• Dogs and cats who cuddle — bringing warmth, unconditional love, and joy. My parents gave me my first dachshund when I was 10 years old. I have owned and loved so many of those dogs for 73 years. Sometimes, they saved me from despair. They warmed my bed, and wriggled into my heart. They have broken it when they passed on, but that has never stopped me from getting a replacement, even though one NEVER replaces the lost one. They are each different, but always lovable and a great joy. I recommend more than one. (so they won’t get lonely when you are out)
• Music that soothes and uplifts — a soundtrack for your soul. Listening to music that uplifts you makes it possible to “change your state” in just a few seconds. For me, an instant feel-good piece is Beethoven’s 9th, Ode to Joy. Everyone responds to music. Its effects can be magical, don’t underestimate them.

• Flowers — wild or cultivated, especially fresh ones in the house. It is summer as I write this, so flowers are abundant here in Virginia. My zinnias are resplendent and so colorful and cheerful. As a surprise, God has given me many sunflowers, which just “volunteered” near the bird feeders. I feed my wild birds black sunflower seeds, and many spill onto the ground in an area with a hedge and flower beds. Seeing them blooming, their bright yellow heads turning over time to the sun, exalts nature.
• Elbow room — as Daniel Boone said, “Everyone needs it.” I live in the country and have no immediate neighbors. This privacy is heaven. It is not for everyone. Some ask, “Don’t you get lonely or scared living out there alone?” But the answer is no. It frees me. It gives me space for my soul. And I am grateful.

These luxuries are quiet. They don’t clamor for attention. They do not glitter like gold. They don’t need a logo or a receipt. They are not chic, nor do they signal wealth. They are not trendy. But if you notice them, protect them, and give thanks for them, you will be richer than you ever imagined.

Copyright©. 2025 Bonnie B. Matheson