How can you have a rich, fulfilling, and simply luxurious life? According to Shannon Ables, the author of the lovely book Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life, it’s the choices you make and not your income or financial assets. Your lifestyle choices are the most powerful determining factor for your quality of life.
In her book, Shannon insightfully suggests that many women experience an unconscious willingness to follow societal dictates, rather than becoming the CEOs of our own lives. We mindlessly follow the dots, smothering our innate gifts and as a result miss opportunities to fulfill our true potential.
But there’s another way. Living the simply luxurious life is for you if you’re seeking a life of quality over quantity in every arena. Sensibility rather than frivolity, true style over of trend chasing, and a truly fulfilling life instead of being led around by the nose; thereby creating a life of true contentment.
Living a simply luxurious life, is like many of the most beautiful things in life; rather tricky to define and even tricker to manifest. Lucky for us however, in her podcast The Simple Sophisticate (one of my favs), Shannon artfully simplifies the philosophy into 8 key foundational elements.
Here are 8 Pillars of a Simply Luxurious Life.
1. Have a Healthy Self-Respect and Self-Worth
2. Financial Security
Money isn’t everything. But god damn it money can buy handbags. And I really love handbags.
The fact is that money makes the world and our lives go round. How much significance it plays in your life is up to you. Some people do well chasing lots of it, while others very intentionally don’t. Whatever your philosophy your relationship with money should be a healthy one so that it doesn’t burden or control you.
3. Healthy Relationships
No [wo]man is an island. No [wo]man stands alone. Our relationships with our partners, family, friends, co workers, and even strangers are integral. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you in life. And don’t forget to reciprocate that love and support.
4. Good Health
Health is truly the realest wealth, not pieces of silver or gold (chanel bags, fancy cars, or anything else for that matter). To keep your body and mind in good health is your duty, after all you only get one.
5. A Sanctuary to Call Home
We all know the age old adage “home is where the heart is”. But how do you like this one… “A home is a kingdom of its own in the midst of the world, a stronghold amid life’s storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer (a German pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident)
6. Establishing Everyday Rituals
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Will Durant (often attributed to Aristotle). Furthermore, Shannon Ables suggest that by incorporating everyday rituals into our daily routines, we are choosing to make the everyday all the more luxurious. And really living well is about how we go about our everyday lives. “One of my favorite everyday rituals is enjoy a single dark chocolate peanut butter truffle paired with black lavender tea. Such simple, inexpensive routines can bring an amazing amount of pleasure.”
RELATED: My Daily Morning Routine + Ideas You Can Use For Your Morning Routine
7. Creating a Signature Style
This is one of my personal favorites. Signature style translates across various mediums. In the way that you dress, the decor in your home, even in the gifts you give. It’s important to understand the signature style isn’t something you can buy in a store, it’s something that must be cultivated. The good news is, once you figure out your signature style, at its core, doesn’t really change much. Rather it grows and develops with you. So once you have your basic capsule wardrobe for for example, the tweaks, changes and additions are much easier to make and far less likely to break the bank.
RELATED: 101 Things That Happen To You When You Become A Well Dressed Woman
8. Have an Insatiable Appetite for Knowledge
Hello Bombshell was born because of my insatiable curiosity surrounding how one can live the best life ever. This interest, this blog since has been an incredible source of joy for me (and I hope for you too) as a result. Whatever interests you in life, whatever you’re passionate about, pursue your curiosity with vigor. Curiosity is the compass that leads us to our passions. Follow it and you won’t be disappointed.
What are some other elements you think make for a simply luxurious life?