Creating A Simply Luxurious Year
Published: Sat, 01/01/11
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"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."
-- Anonymous | ||
ife is a constant balance between what we want to do and what we have to do, but I suggest we look at it from a different perspective. Think about it for a moment. While we all need a vacation every once in a while and a weekend at the end of every work week, these moments of "getting away" are all the sweeter because of the productivity we've put forth to earn it during the work week.
Another example - we are able to savor joyous moments all the more because we've experienced moments of hurt and pain. It is the balance of these opposites that makes life truly rich.
Recently I read in an article that during the past decade, prior to the recession, while society seemed to be flourishing with more capital and choices in the economy, the rate of happiness did not increase. Not only does this speak the truth that we've been told repeatedly about material items being incapable of instilling true happiness, but it also demonstrates that in order to experience something more fully, more completely and more appreciatively, we must know, or at least recognize, what it would be like if the opposite were true. Lessons come in funny ways, and I am an avid believer of Oprah's statement that we will be given a lesson again and again (each time a bit harsher) until we truly absorb it.
The lesson that I have learned and share with you, my readers, every day on my blog The Simply Luxurious Life is that we are richer than we really know. We have more wisdom and potential inside of us than we sometimes give ourselves credit for. It is in this realization, that a balance must be maintained between having less (simplicity), but making sure what we have really matters and is savored (luxury).
What I have tried to do for you in this newsletter is lay out a three month plan, broken down into things you should do daily, weekly, monthly and only once. Each month will have a different focus (January - Overall Life Balance, February - Taking Care of You, March - Beautifying the Home), but as you begin something in January, you should continue to make it a habit throughout each of twelve months , thus creating a foundation for a simply luxurious year.
It is my hope that within three months, you will see yourself surrounded in luxuries (not necessarily material items) and continue to cultivate a life that is lived consciously, in balance and with purpose.
If you would like to print it off, I tried to streamline and organize it so that it is easy to follow. I truly can't express enough how I hope you are content in your life and living a life that makes you fill as though you are sharing your talents and gifts with the world because you have them, we all have them, and they are something that only you can offer.
Here's to a most amazing simply luxurious year!
-Shannon
January
Getting On Track Physically, Financially & Mentally
 Daily
-In order to make this daily task even more enjoyable, go out and purchase a
lovely journal - one that speaks to you. Size, shape, color - it is completely up to you.
What I have discovered in the process of looking for a simple luxury on a daily basis
that brings me heightened happiness without as much money, or any money at all for
that matter, is that I am richer and more blessed than I realized or that my culture
would have me think. I only ask that you write down one, but if the mood strikes you
and many simple luxuries occur throughout the course of your day, write them down.
After all, such a thing is a good thing indeed.
Weekly
said by numerous nutritionists that when you cook at home, you are more likely to eat
ingredients you can pronounce, thereby eliminating the intake of processed foods.
Consequently, when you know what you're putting into your body, your likely to be
more conscientious and make better choices. Financially, if you are cooking for a
family, you are trimming your budget, possibly producing leftovers for the following
day and creating an opportunity to spend time with your family.
levels (so check with your doctor to confirm what activities are best for you). I cannot
stress enough that you must pick something you enjoy, otherwise, you will not stick to
it. My favorite and preferred choice is walking - sometimes on the treadmill when it's
cold outside or dark, but more often than not, with my dogs outside. I love this time as
it allows a release of stress, worries and many times I find myself coming up with
some creative ideas. Since I have switched from running to walking (about 7 years
ago), I have lost more weight (because I'm not ravenously hungry all the time), and I
have been more consistent with my exercise regimen. (Click here to see the many ways
walking can be easily incorporated into your life.)
well, that's it! If you're not sure what exercises to include in your strength training
routine, schedule a one time appointment with a personal trainer you respect and feel
comfortable with, however, someone who will challenge you so that you can meet your
goals. During this one time session, state exactly what you'd like to achieve and that you
will need to be able to do all of the exercises at home. Scheduling such an appointment
was the best investment I made in my exercise regimen, as it has been a breath of fresh
air to my budget and a calming peace of mind because I no longer have a gym
membership, but I am confident that what I'm doing at home is effective.
pilates, the stretching and strength training components are combined, saving you time
in your already busy schedule. Stretching can also be something you do prior and
following your cardio workouts, but it really is something to include in your exercise
regimen. My yoga instructor likes to start her day with sun salutations which is gentle
way to ease your body, thus your mind, into the day ahead. Once A Month
here for tools on how to get started with a budget that suits your life.) Once you know
how much money you have after all necessary bills are paid, you can prioritize the rest.
After all, as you will notice by listing a simple luxury every day, money isn't always
necessary to be happy.
secure. And being secure financially is a major chunk of the "security" pie, but it
doesn't happen unless you choose to create it. Starting yesterday, or at the earliest
when you began earning your first paycheck as an adult, you should be contributing
to a retirement fund (of which there are many), as well as a high yield savings account
(to be used in emergencies). David Bach shares his free resources on the variety of
options you can invest in (simply click here) as it will differ for each person.
this for their debt diet, I couldn't help but ponder if this should be something for
everyone to do. Think about what it requires for a moment: planning ahead, being
aware of your priorities, creativity and discipline. We are all capable of each of these
things, some with more work than others, but we are all indeed capable. So pull out
your grocery list and plan a week ahead for meals one week, stay home on that one
weekend and play board games or read, and slow down. You might be surprised at
how it not only helps out your wallet, but instills an opportunity for lovely moments to
transpire.
Once A Year
addresses setting goals for creating a better life, and I immediately tore it out to save
in my files. What she suggests is to choose three adjectives (no more, no less)
describing what you want to feel that you aren't already feeling in your life as it is
right now. So often we list our goals as things (nouns), but true contentment is a
feeling, so therefore, instead of listing, "I will earn a promotion", list I will feel "secure,
confident and successful" . The reality is we are often surprised by what it really takes
to make us feel the way we want to feel, and by changing our goal to a different
target, are inner feeling of success will be that much greater. Here are a few posts that
may help get you started: February
Taking Care of Yourself
 Daily
make a choice to seek out positive reading material that promotes a more positive life.
While the news can sometimes be overwhelming, we must also include positive images
and ideas, because we truly do internalize everything more than we realize.
simpler is to follow the Golden Rule. By saying what we truly mean in a tactful and
respectful manner and not engaging mindless and often times, hurtful gossip, we void
our lives of negative energy and gain respect from those around us, which is something
that cannot be purchased. By engaging in this daily practice, you will be able to go to
bed at night with a clear conscience, and if you have children, rest assured you are
setting a good example.
Weekly
date with yourself to enjoy a relaxing night in after a harried week, make sure that you
carve out this time. Not only will it be something to look forward to, but we all need
time to just be ourselves, let our hair down and know we aren't being judged.
flowers each week. Not only will this brighten your home, but it will help to lift your
spirits each time you come home. A little something that has great positive
benefits.
more time than just an hour a week, but depending on your comfort level and time
available, at least carve out one hour. Even if you have to go to the coffee shop to be by
yourself, do it. This time alone allows your mind to breathe, and I am always amazed
how floods of ideas become available when I slow down enough to let them wash over
my mind. The more you practice this, the more you will be comfortable with it, and in
listening to your true voice, you will make better decisions that will help you create a
life you are ecstatic to enjoy each day.
Once A Month
of the excitement of the event itself. So at the beginning of each month, make sure you
have something that is pleasurable, fun and allows you to let go of your daily routine,
if only for 30 minutes or an hour. Examples: a facial, a spa pedicure, your routine cut
& color, a massage. But the key is - to plan it ahead of time, so you have time to look
forward to it! Here are a few ideas from Why Not . . . Pamper Yourself?
book approximately every month, you are keeping your mind active, finding time to
get away from everything else for a moment and hopefully creating a ritual that you
look forward to. Whether it be a cookbook you have been hankering to peruse through,
a summer beach read, a biography or a piece of literature, you will always be able to
take away something that you weren't aware of prior to reading it.
once a month) is courageous. Now it can be something as simple as trying a new tea or
learning a new dance step, but whatever it is, be open to expanding your repertoire
because you never know when a chance attempt could wind up being something you
can't imagine living without.
Once
department store's make-up counter and receive a make-over. It takes maybe thirty
minutes, and in the process you learn of new colors that work well with your skin tone
and flatter your already stunning facial features. An immediate pay-off is that you are
looking fabulous without having to lift a finger. So be sure to plan a fun lunch or
dinner after your appointment.
March
Beautify & Simplify Your Sanctuary
 Daily
I've accomplished something around the house. Not only is coming home to a
bedroom that is put together calming, but pulling the covers back to a neatly made bed
it a great beginning to a good night's sleep.
up immediately after yourself upon leaving any room in the house. Whether it is taking
your dishes and putting them in the dishwasher, rearranging the pillows and throw
after relaxing on the sofa or tucking in your chair at the dinner table, these simple acts
eliminate a lot of work when the chore of cleaning the house is upon us.
Weekly
during the year. I like tackling it during March because it is after I have been in the
house for the long months of winter, accumulated things from the holidays and am
itching to clear out my closet so that I can begin to shop for the style of spring. By only
cleaning one room each week during the month of March (I mean serious cleaning,
throwing out/donating anything you don't use or need anymore, moving furniture,
cleaning carpets), you don't face the daunting task of tackling the entire home in one
weekend. Break it up and then celebrate when the month is complete by relaxing in a
simplified and clean home.
reduce the amount of work I have to do if I put it off for weeks at a time. Plus, I can
truly relax in my home when I know it is tidied up. Choose a day of the week that works
best with your schedule and place it as an appointment in your planner. Once
tremendous role in the next day's performance, so why not make sure your bedroom is
a luxurious sanctuary? Less is more when it comes to your sleeping space. Get rid of
anything that doesn't serve a function. Here are some items that while luxurious, most
definitely serve a purpose in the bedroom:
and stay in a four or five star hotel in your beloved city, book the room in January and
plan to stay some time during April when you've successfully completed the list. Two
of my favorite hotels to stay in are The Heathman on Broadway in Portland and The
Marcus Whitman in Walla Walla - the rooms are exquisitely luxurious, maid service
turns down your bed, the service is impeccable and the restaurants on location are
amazing. Plus, they are located in a prime location in each of their corresponding cities.
Whatever it is you choose to do to reward yourself for completing this task, make sure it
is something that brings tranquility, makes you feel special and leaves you absolutely
guilt-free.
Congratulations! You are well on your way to living a life that is rid of the unnecessary and full of endless moments to enjoy on a daily basis, giving you the peace of mind that not only can you enjoy your present, but your future is in good hands as well.
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