I never know what will stimulate a blog but quite a few times it’s been either an email with my brother Marc or one of his blogs. His recent blog The New Luxe - 9 defining Trends got me thinking (which is one of the real impacts of blogs) and I spent a few minutes replying to him:

Great article Marc and I really like the 9 luxe trends. Many of them would resonate with me personally as I try and live a sustainable life in my local community.

As a sensualist who loves beauty, quality, and ethics - I’ll pay for a quality organic chocolate or lovely bread - and - I’ll enjoy each square/slice without needing to stuff my face.

I also live in a small country community where I don’t feel any need to own lots of clothes or bags or … things. We don’t have a lot of shops but they are all run by locals - and I try and buy local when I can. Dublin is not far away and I go there often for work and I’ve found myself less and less interested in buying things. I wander the luxury shops and feel a yawn coming on. I do enjoy the thrift shops and little shops off the streets that have a t shirt or skirt with a difference.

I agree about time as a luxury and I have made a conscious choice to work a certain way; earn a certain amount of money - and then - have a lot of time to sit and chat with my elderly neighbour next door in the sun; sleep in; do art with the local kids; read; walk the street and say hello to people; grow things;write in my blogs; do some self build courses …. and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

I think that people are becoming more and more aware and concerned about the impact of their spending and consumption on the planet. The more information and options we can give people - the more informed choices and decisions they can make.

I sense that in nearly every human being is the desire to make a difference - to feel they have some power to affect the myriad of concerns that exist in the world.

And I think we’re starting to see that in the way people are choosing to purchase things in their lives.

And no, I don’t think I’m seeing everyone suddenly refuse to buy that new car, stereo, farmed salmon … but there is a sea change and a shifting of attitudes and behavior. We can all be more conscious of how and what we consume - and still live a sensual and enjoyable life.

And as I finished writing the comment to Marc I realised I had a blog entry as well as a topic that had me thinking.

So, what does luxury mean to me?

  • Having time to do and be
  • Doing work that I love and that makes a difference
  • Being able to live my values
  • Having clients that I really like and enjoy working with
  • Having technology that allows me to write, communicate and share ideas
  • Having a phone so I can talk with my family and friends
  • Being healthy
  • Living in a country that’s not at war
  • Being a woman who is very happy with her body and loves eating
  • Knowing my values and purpose
  • Having friends that let me be me - and who enjoy intense conversations as much as froo froo play
  • Having a family of quite extraordinary individuals
  • Living in Ballinamore with all the surrounding lakes and mountains and clean air
  • Being able to some day afford to buy some land and build my sustainable and beautiful home
  • Having the will to try new ideas and avenues of life - even (and particularly) when they scare me
  • Having a very happy, relaxed and playful nature
  • Enjoying the pleasure of how all my senses work - touch, taste, sight, sound …
  • Learning more and more about sustainable local living - moving all the years of research and theory to some real results no matter how small
  • Watching things grow -plants, children, and people

And in that luxury list there’s not a plasma screen, flash car, designer bag blah, blah to be seen. That’s not what gives me a happy buzz.

What would be on your luxury list?