We live in a world filled with luxuries—many of which we don’t even recognize as such until they’re taken away. It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to have simple comforts at our fingertips. We live in a time where convenience is king, and everything from fresh water to warm showers and a fast internet connection is often expected, not appreciated. But what would happen if we suddenly had to go without one of these daily conveniences for a few days? How would our perspective change once we got them back?
Let’s take a moment to explore how being without something we consider a luxury can reset our appreciation for the things we often take for granted.
The Case of the Water Shortage
Imagine you’re in a situation where the tap water you rely on every day suddenly isn’t available. Maybe there’s a temporary water outage, or perhaps you’re traveling in an area where access to clean, drinkable water is limited.
At first, it feels inconvenient. You don’t have the comfort of a steady stream of cold water from the fridge whenever you need it. Instead, you’re left with bottled water or—if you’re really unlucky—only lukewarm, sometimes murky tap water. For a day or two, you make do. You drink the water, but you can’t help but think about how much easier it would be if the cold, crisp water from your fridge were available. But then, as the days go by, you begin to realize something: you really miss that luxury.
When the water supply is restored, that first glass of ice-cold water feels nothing short of miraculous. It’s so refreshing that it feels like a tiny moment of indulgence. You appreciate the taste, the chill, and the clarity of the water in a way you might have never done before. It’s amazing how something so simple, like clean, cold water, can feel so precious when it’s been taken away, even for just a short period.
The Lost Luxury of Hot Showers
Now imagine going a few days without a hot shower. Maybe there’s a plumbing issue at home, or you’re roughing it on a camping trip, where you’re forced to wash with cold water from a stream or a cold outdoor shower.
At first, it’s bracing. Your body recoils as the cold water hits, and you rush through the experience to get it over with. It’s uncomfortable, and frankly, not pleasant. But as the days pass, your body starts to get used to it. You adapt to the discomfort and move through it.
But then, after a few days, when you finally step into a warm shower again, the sensation is extraordinary. The warm water feels like a luxury you never truly understood before. The steam rising, the softness of the water on your skin, and the comfort of being cocooned in warmth make it feel like you’re stepping into a spa. You realize you’ve been taking it for granted. You begin to savor every drop, knowing how much more precious it feels after having to go without it.
The Reality of Limited Internet Access
In today’s digital age, we often forget how connected we are to the internet. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or staying in touch with loved ones, most of us rely on high-speed internet almost every moment of the day.
Imagine, for a moment, that your internet is out for a few days. Perhaps it’s a tech glitch, or you’re in a remote area where internet access is limited. Initially, the silence is deafening. You can’t binge-watch your favorite shows. You can’t scroll through social media. You can’t instantly connect with friends across the globe.
At first, it feels like an inconvenience. But after a few days, the absence of internet access forces you to slow down. You begin to focus on other things—reading, journaling, enjoying the present moment. Then, when the internet is finally restored, the feeling of scrolling through a fast-loading webpage or downloading a movie in seconds feels almost euphoric. That lightning-fast access you once took for granted now feels like an incredible luxury. You realize how much time, energy, and comfort the internet provides, and you become more mindful of its role in your life.
The Simple Joy of a Comfortable Bed
How many of us have ever struggled to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress or in a place that doesn’t feel like home? Maybe you’ve slept on an air mattress that slowly deflates, or stayed in a hotel where the bed was hard as a rock. You toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position, but it’s impossible. You can’t get restful sleep, and it leaves you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unproductive the next day.
Now, think about the last time you climbed into your own bed—your own cozy, soft mattress with just the right amount of support. The feeling of lying down and sinking into comfort, feeling the softness of your sheets, and the warmth of your blanket—it’s a luxury that we often forget to appreciate until we’ve been deprived of it. After a few nights of uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, that first good night’s sleep in your own bed feels like pure bliss. You feel refreshed, recharged, and more appreciative of your comfort.
The Importance of the Everyday
These examples show how much we often take for granted—water, warmth, comfort, connection, and nourishment. It’s not until we’re temporarily without these things that we realize how much they enhance our lives.
Life is full of luxuries that we often overlook in our day-to-day routines. The comfort of a warm home, the security of good health, and the ability to walk into a store and buy whatever we need—these are all privileges that we should stop and appreciate. The next time you experience a moment of inconvenience or discomfort, take a moment to reflect on how good you have it. And when you return to your everyday comforts, let that feeling of appreciation linger.
Because the luxury of the everyday is what makes life truly rich. We just need to remember to savor it.
Rick Madsen 