The True Cost of Luxury
Every Sunday I send out something to think about, a question to ponder and something to try to make your life a little more pleasant. The idea is to inspire and encourage positive change. Readers share their progress so we can all benefit from the learnings.
THINK
“We sell things of great value for things of very little, and visa versa.“
– Diogenes Laertius
The true cost of an item isn’t what you paid for it but what it costs you to own it.
My dad loved cars and treated himself to a weekend sportscar. It was a convertible Porsche and he adored it. He was keen to take me for a drive on the weekend to show me what it could do, so we popped into town. I’m not a car guy but it was sweet to see how happy this machine made him or so I thought.
When looking for parking spots just outside the high street, he became consumed with the car’s welfare. We couldn’t park here because there were too many trees (debris and bird poo), and we couldn’t park there because there was a lot of footfall (someone might damage it).
Parking itself then became an issue. He wanted it to be safe but not too close to other cars where it could get damaged. He gave Austin Powers a run for his money on a 3-point turn as he delicately placed the car perfectly between the lines.
As we eventually parked up and walked into town, I could see he wasn’t with me. He was somewhere else. Within an hour of our time together, I found out where.
He asked if we could leave because he wanted to check on the car. He was consumed by it. I reluctantly agreed and made a mental note of the following lesson:
I will never own an item I can’t afford to lose or damage.
The cost is too great, no matter how low the price.
If you can’t afford to lose an item or get it fixed, the item owns you.
My dad was anxious because he couldn’t afford anything to go wrong with it but that was out of his control.
Cars break down, people are careless and spiteful, and animals need to poo.
What can you do? 🤷♂️
- Don’t overvalue the importance of items
- Don’t undervalue the importance of peace
- Buy luxury goods you can afford multiple times (at least twice)
- Accept something bad might happen to it, and that’s ok.
We convince ourselves to buy items to make ourselves happier. Don’t burden yourself with the responsibility of something too precious. The cost is too great.
Reflect and share this thought with someone.
ASK
Consider your most prized possessions and ask yourself, “What is this costing me? Can I afford to lose or damage it?”
If you’re considering buying a luxury item, ask yourself, “Can I buy it twice?”
You might be surprised at how much it’s truly costing you.
Write down what comes to mind.
TRY
Do you own any items that you don’t use and take up space around the house? Do you really need it?
How would you feel if it were no longer there?
Sell, donate or dispose of any items you don’t use.
Try freeing up space in your home and see how it impacts your mind.
Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot.
SHARE
Comment below and share how it went for you.
If you accepted the fate of a cherished item, decluttered your home or delayed a luxury purchase, COMMENT BELOW and share your wins with the world.
