Monday, June 1, 2009

Living in Luxury

Luxury: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort; sumptuous environment; something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary; an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease.

What do you consider a luxury?

For some, it's a waterfront mansion in the Hamptons, a yacht, a vacation bungalow in the Bahamas, and a private jet to get there comfortably.

Maybe a ski vacation at Sun Valley. Or Switzerland.

For probably 90% of the world's population, having readily-available clean and safe water would be a luxury.

In other words, "luxury" is largely dependent on a person's current environment and status.

"Luxury" might be a Mercedes-Benz or Escalade or Lexus. (Especially if it's somebody else behind the wheel!)

For me, it's luxurious to be able to pass every gas station. To be able to ride along the banks of the Boise River every single day, on my way home from work. (Pleasure... satisfaction...)

My front brake failed unexpectedly over the weekend. I thought how satisfying and easy (characteristics of "luxury") it was, to be able to fix it with a $2 replacement cable, in ten minutes.

Yep - my bicycle transportation provides me with luxury that few people will ever realize. (And enables me to leave a meaningful amount of money in the bank, for other indulgences or necessities.)

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