A pristine quart of (almond) milk.
A trio of velveteen pillows (with tassels).
A room of your own (with Wifi — fast Wifi).
A free afternoon. A pedicure. A postcard.
A rich moisturizer. A pony. A nap.
 

What does “affluence” mean to you?

Notions of affluence — just like scarcity, and happiness — are dizzyingly fluid. One person’s “that’s enough” is another’s “that’s all?” And that’s grand. Because affluence isn’t about taking more than you’re due — it’s about attracting more than most do.

For me, affluence means no alarm clocks. No turgidity. No nonsense. It means graciously accepting gifts & invitations — to spontaneous fire pits, leisurely dinners, coworking centers and smoldering conferences. It means having a charming housemate, but not needing a charming housemate. It means trips back home — and not just on socially-sanctioned holidays. It means ruby-violet hair (because I can) and glittery nails (because I wanna). Working from bed at 1 pm, neck-high in feather down, or working from Perkin’s at 4 am, knee-deep in free refills.

Affluence is dandyism, with a dash of empowerment.
 

Affluence is hedonism, with a shot of perspective.

Affluence tastes like freedom — and sometimes like truffle oil.

Affluence says, “there’s another option. Maybe five. Try ‘em all.”

Affluence wants you to cancel your 3 ‘o clock.
 

Affluence wants you to have your cake … and own the damn bakery.

Affluence sets a precedent.

Affluence leads by example.
 

Affluence is absolutely, positively, inextricably entangled in generosity.

Affluence is poised. Assured. Unafraid.
 

Affluence is ready for its close-up.

 

 
Some brill humans who’ve influenced my definition of affluence: Hedy Lamarr, Suze Orman, Ramit Sethi, Bindu Wiles, Danielle LaPorte, Henry David Thoreau, Oprah, Oscar Wilde and Beau Brummell.