On the importance of life's little luxuries

When you hear the word luxury, what comes to mind? Do you picture a perfectly polished sports car? Designer clothes just off the runway? A Swiss watch or a vacation on Lake Como? You wouldn’t be wrong; these all fit the definition of a luxury. But what about something smaller, more intimate—a “little luxury”, if you will.

Our world is busier than ever. Amidst this chaos, it’s important to find joy in little things. The nature of little things, makes them easy to overlook though. They will be different for everyone, shaped by personal tastes, but unlike a Ferrari or a Rolex, they are accessible to everyone.

For the overly caffeinated amongst us, it could be the perfect cup of coffee in the morning. The aroma of freshly ground beans. The warmth from the mug radiating through your hands. It’s the best part of a morning routine, if not the sole thing that makes it tolerable. You won’t find the same feeling in line at Starbucks. For others, it might be a skincare routine that allows them to feel pampered at the end of a long day. I’ll admit I fall into the “others” category here. It amazes me that I’m one of the only men I know who uses a moisturizer. And sometimes, luxury costs nothing—a non-negotiable hour of quiet each day, trading the phone for a good book, is all that’s required to unwind and replenish.

Indulging in these little luxuries can have a profound impact on our well-being. Beyond the immediate and obvious joy of using something nicer than usual, there’s a key underlying psychological benefit (imo, I’m not a psychologist). When we treat ourselves we are sending a bigger message: we are worth it and life is to be enjoyed. It’s an act of self-care that can boost our mood, making us feel appreciated and inspired—even if it’s by our own hand.

My biggest inspiration behind the importance of appreciating the simple, little luxuries, is V. She’s taught me not to understate the benefit of surrounding yourself with beauty—that the small details thoughtfully executed have the power to elevate the ordinary. That when you sip a drink from fine glassware or crystal, it tastes better. That the bedding you rest on for hours every night should be of the highest quality. That you should use beautiful stationery. And that the art of curating your surroundings is not just for museums.

For me, one of the most indulgent little luxuries is great food and drink (Wouldn’t it be nice to live somewhere where this didn’t have to be a luxury?). Whether or not it's entirely biologically accurate, I like to take inspiration from the old saying: “You are what you eat”. Quality seasonal, local ingredients, do not require a whole lot to make them taste delicious. And when paired with a glass of nice Valdobbiadene, what more could you need? Taking a cue from Anthony Bourdain in one of my favorite pasta recipes of his, Spaghetti alla bottarga:

"Get a very few excellent ingredients, then proceed to not fuck them up." - Anthony Bourdain

The same goes for dining out. If you're making an effort to go out, why not make it an experience? Dress a little nicer, try someplace new, order something you don't make at home, and don't skip dessert!

Yet, the greatest luxury worth chasing in my opinion, is time and freedom—to do nothing. While this can be both a little luxury and large, it’s transformative in any dose, for everyone. The idea has many names. In Spanish it might be called “La pura vida”, in Italian “La dolce vita”, and in French it’s called a normal day. Here in the US we glorify busyness and equate productivity with self-worth, largely ignoring what other nations know to be true–that moments of stillness are a foundation for a balanced life. When we slow down, we enjoy and appreciate the present more, our creativity blooms, and we reconnect with ourselves.

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy” - Guillaume Apollinaire

Some people might feel guilty indulging in little luxuries. Some might even view them as selfish. But there is no selfishness in caring for your wellness through small acts. So go ahead, spend more on yourself than you think, and you’ll be surprised by the dividends.

Incorporating this into your life need not be daunting. Start small, identify what parts of your day or week bring you joy, and make time for it. It’s as simple as that. They don’t have to be limited to material pleasures, but anything that sparks joy and an appreciation of your daily life. Whether it’s a restorative daily ritual, a pair of great socks, or a candle that helps you slip into reverie—making the outside world melt away with every light—these small indulgences remind us to prioritize our well-being, and enrich the otherwise mundane.

If you deny yourself indulgences, where is the enjoyment of life?