Minimalism – Catherine Vaughan's World

According to the Oxford Dictionary “luxury” means:

“A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense.”

The use of the word comfort to describe luxury is an intriguing one. It is usually a word that we may forget in regards to luxurious items. On the one hand we associate luxury with feeling good whether that be through the delicate feel of a luxury cashmere sweater or feeling like a million dollars when we wear designer sunglasses. But the comfort levels with luxury items denote an occasional feel and something hard to get. “Affordable luxury” is a sought after selection but again it is applied to things in our life that have singular purposes like a handbag or make-up; it does not necessarily improve the quality of our lives.

But what is luxury really? Is it useful? Is it necessary. I would argue it is absolutely necessary. Having given up my superficial consumer-driven ways I now channel my desire for material things specifically on luxurious items. Paradoxical? Not at all.

Let me explain. I no longer waste money on yet another luxurious handbag or piece of clothing. Instead I shop for everyday luxury. Look out for luxurious commodities that affect your daily life and well-being, things that help with sleep, cooking, relaxing.

It is so precious to have quality sleep and eat good food. Nowadays I ensure to purchase high quality everyday items like bedding, kitchen appliances and the like. It is a really wonderful luxury to slip into clean, comfy pyjamas and beautiful, soft bed covers. Give yourself the gift of luxury everyday. Better to spend on comfy slippers for the home than a rarely worn, hard to maintain embellished cashmere sweater that is trendy right now.

Luxury is not necessarily bound by wealth and a high-status neighbourhood. It can be so much more accessible. Luxury can make you a more grateful person. Now I define luxury as having a beautiful, clean, organized bedroom; stylish, reliable everyday shoes to wear; and most importantly all the necessary tools and gadgets like a good smart phone and laptop to work on and capture memories for life. Luxury-buying should be a means to upgrade the necessities of life like friendship, cleanliness and beauty sleep so that you can experience these rejuvenating aspects of life to the fullest to be the best version of yourself.

You do not need a million dollar car. You do not need to travel far. You just need to make the most of what you have and appreciate everyday life and honour your workspace, bedroom etc. Material things come and go but it is quality relationships, a comfy home and good sleep that does wonders for us and can truly make us feel amazing-and it costs very little!

How do you guys feel about it?

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