There are moments I wish I had it all: a house of my property; a studio where I can host the events and panels for both Fashion On The Beat and The Curly Flower; monthly paid beauty treatments that include nails, hair, massages, and facials; becoming a bi-coastal entrepreneur, educator, and creative through an agency; having a secretary. All that, to me, sounds like a luxury. Things I long for but I can’t have with consistency.

In order to live my life in the best way possible, I try to stay present and grateful for what I have in front of me. A solid academic career, a prolific set of ideas for my company, and health. I also have love, experience love, and receive love. Not many people can claim such. I may not have the amount of money I wish I had by 25 in New York City. I wish I were not living in New York City anymore by 25, but I’m still here, making the best out of this incredible city. No matter how much my body and mental state is longing for another geographical setting, New York is an unmatchable hub through which I would’ve never been in the positions I am right now if it wasn’t for the chances this metropolis gave me. See, grateful.

Luxury is a fluid concept if you think about it. It changes from situation to situation. If you’re reading this article, you’re most probably a young creative between the ages of 18 and 30. During these years, some people have it all together, they even have a house, a baby on their way, a partner who gives all the presents at any given time, a dog they can pet after a long day at work, etc. Some people travel so much and you wonder why you can’t. Some can work and make more money than you and no matter what skills you apply in your career, you feel like you’re not where you want to be. Or maybe you’re the successful one and you’re reading this piece trying to seek significance in the word “luxury”, because among all the beautiful things you were gifted or possess… you can’t really find any satisfaction in them anymore. You have money, but you can’t find love. You have a job, but it’s stressing you out. You travel a lot and you’re about to start a family or a business, but you’re scared and overwhelmed.

I think that luxury, especially for us creatives of color and immigrants, is a matter of perspective. Luxury is the set of things and states of mind you find exclusive. This could be applied to everyone, creatives and not, but if you’re willing to embark on a luxurious life, you’ve gotta start experiencing luxury within your body. I see it this way because despite not owning a lot of things on my end, I do little by little practice gratitude. Every day I make sure to listen to my body. Every day I thank the universe for having health and experience life, see the sun every day, from the spacious room-studio-bed I live and work from right now. This is already a luxury that can lead to so many other luxurious stuff in the long term. Start seeing luxury in what you’ve got next to you. And what’s closer to you other than your own body?

Take that walk, run, gym session. Take that massage. Take that pause from work. Take a sip of herbal tea. Take a reiki session. And so on. If you can do it, do it.

To me, luxury means being in touch with my health. But also, to me, luxury means financial independence. To me, luxury means health and love. To me, luxury is the Jacquemus mini bag I know I will never get until I’ll be able to have a great income. To me, luxury is being able to move out to a warmer place for my health with the love of my life, while being able to give back to my communities anytime. Luxury is fluid, comes and goes.

To me, luxury will always be there, in demand, to push me to become the best version of myself.