When we hear the word luxury, many of us immediately think of designer handbags, five-star hotels, or high-end jewellery. It’s an image carefully curated by society, often shaped by what we see on screens or scrolling through social media.
And I for one certainly got swept up well into that bubble. But somewhere along the way, that definition has stopped resonating with me.
As I grow through my 30s, I’m realizing that true luxury has little to do with things, and everything to do with how we live.
For me, luxury is no longer about status or designer labels. It’s about creating a life that feels aligned. A life where I wake up with purpose, move through my days with intention, and go to bed with a sense of peace. That, to me, is the kind of richness that can’t be bought — but must be cultivated.
Luxury is being able to say no to what doesn’t serve me, without guilt. It’s taking long walks in nature without checking my phone. It’s having the time and space to nourish my body with foods that make me feel good — not just look good. It’s choosing rest without needing to earn it. And it’s feeling deeply connected to the choices I make each day, no matter how small.
One of the most freeing realizations I’ve had is that luxury is entirely subjective. For some, it might still be that dream car or that once-in-a-lifetime holiday. And that’s perfectly valid. For others, it’s the slow, uninterrupted cup of coffee in the morning. Which is also fine. I’m learning that for me, it’s being able to design a life where work supports my joy, not overshadows it. It’s living within my means while still feeling abundant in experience, connection, and time. It’s being in a state of bliss, no matter what I’m doing.
In a world that constantly tells us to want more, buy more, and do more, redefining luxury can feel a little rebellious. But there is power in reclaiming that definition for ourselves. There is beauty in saying, my version of luxury is enough, even if it doesn’t fit anyone else’s mould.
Living a life of luxury, in my eyes, means living with more freedom. The freedom to be myself fully. The freedom to slow down. The freedom to follow what feels right, not just what looks right. It’s also about purpose — knowing why I do what I do and feeling like I’m contributing something meaningful, even in the smallest of ways. And most importantly, it’s about peace. Not just the absence of chaos, but a sense of calm that comes from within.
So if you’ve ever felt like luxury was out of reach, I encourage you to redefine it. Ask yourself what truly feels luxurious to you. Maybe it’s time. Maybe it’s space. Maybe it’s simply feeling well in your own skin.
Because ultimately, luxury isn’t something we need to chase. It’s something we can choose — on our own terms.
With love,
Malissa x
She lives in Bliss 
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