Sitting by my pool, I had this thought…

One thing I've enjoyed about this season of my life is the opportunity to sit by my pool in the mornings, enjoying the fresh air and mild temperature, before the day gets too hectic.

I guess I should clarify something here.

It's not exactly my pool… It’s more of a community pool, in the town where I live. But I have a pool pass, so it's kind of mine, to enjoy anyway. :)

The older I get, the more I realize that ownership of lots of fancy stuff isn't all it's cracked up to be. There’s a lot of upkeep involved, and upkeep requires precious time and energy...

But that’s a separate tangent. So back to my pool (which requires no upkeep on my part).

Both of my kids were on the swim team this summer, which required them to be at the pool early in the mornings.

On the days I wasn't working in the hospital, I was up early, sitting poolside in a lounge chair, cup of coffee in hand, listening to a good audiobook, watching my kids' swimming skills improve.

On these mornings I felt like I was living in a resort. Because that’s how I chose to experience it.

I could have just as easily dreaded the early morning wakeup time, seeing it as "taxiing the kids around to one more activity."

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -Wayne Dyer

Here's the thing. A healthy life doesn't have to feel like a struggle. It can feel enjoyable... even luxurious. (I know, crazy, right?!)

For example, when I make time to go out for a long walk (which is often), I consider this a luxury in my life. I stroll around neighborhoods as if I'm retired, just out enjoying the day. I love every second of it. This time is way more valuable to me than owning lots of fancy things.

Enjoyment and luxury don't have to require a lot of money. What they do require, however, is a certain mindset.

Below I’ve outlined 10 activities that anyone can do to practice this approach to rich, healthy living.

10 Simple Ways to Live a Rich & Healthy Life (Without Spending Much Money)

1. Appreciate the beauty of something in your everyday environment.

Beauty surrounds us all the time. The key is to look for it.

2. Do something unrushed.

Slow down. Take your time. A relaxed state is a luxurious state.

3. Simplify.

Aim for elegant simplicity, not cluttered chaos.

4. Savor a delicious meal.

Appreciate the sight, aroma, taste, and texture. Fully experience it.

5. Enjoy a fun activity.

It doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a walk, a fun sport, or a board game.

6. Spend quality time with someone you care about.

Memorable moments spent with loved ones are one of the best investments you can make.

7. Look nice.

Wear your favorite outfit. Do your hair and makeup. When you look like a million bucks, you feel like a million bucks!

8. Challenge yourself.

Accomplishment and progress add excitement and joy to life (as long as we don’t take it too far, and make happiness dependent on achievement).

9. Create art.

Not necessarily "art class" things. Art comes in so many forms: cooking a delicious meal, creating a beautiful space (indoor or outdoor), building something, writing, performing, etc.

10. Give!

This doesn’t have to be money or material things. It could be your time and attention, a unique skill you can offer, an experience, or a kind word. When we give to others, we enjoy greater meaning and purpose in our lives.

How About You?

What things in your life could feel more luxurious, just because you choose to see them that way? Leave me a comment below!

If you like tips/tricks to make healthy living simple, enjoyable, and sustainable, then I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter. This is where I share new posts and exclusive content!

This post was originally published on 6/27/21.