1. A place to call my own 2. The basic essentials - food, running water that can be properly heated, clothing and general utilities 3. A good computer with a high speed connection 4. Items for my sewing/crafting habit including a high quality sewing machine 5. Good books that are non-ficition generally dealing with psychology, philosophy, alternative medicine, history or topics related to my sewing/craft addiction 6. A good cd player along with my music collection
Anything beyond that I would consider a luxury or a really cool gift. I'm one of those people who get all excited about receiving a gift that involves something for the home like a new set of bed linens. Chocolate and Roses are nice but I'll take a new cake pan over those any day. :)
Ohh, I do love the tidy way INTJ's lay things out! Not that I'll respond in kind, you understand; I'm well aware that I cannot live up to such a standard of organization.
1. You mention that you prefer home-related gifts, and what interests me is that the ones you mention are all used indoors. What about gardening supplies?
2. "...my sewing/crafting habit..." Oho, another NT with good fine-motor coordination? (Something I've heard certain friends I could mention assert should not exist) I make dolls (good ones) and afgans (really bad ones), what do you make?
3. "...topics related to my sewing/craft addiction..." Have you read anything by Susanna Oroyan by any chance?
Well, I'm an INTJ that's a Virgo so I can be dangerous with lists -- they are a valid weapon of choice. :)
1. I'm not much for gardening since I don't have a yard but if I did, garden supplies would be part of my home-related gifts selection.
2. I belong to a medieval recreation group so I spend time making medieval attire for myself and others in addition to attempting quilting, candle making, soap making, beadworking, needlepoint and the like. I find that I do not have the talent for crochet, knitting and other things involving yarn.
3. I have not read any of her books but I may have to read a few. Been contemplating the whole doll making aspect...seems like it could be fun.
"I'm not much for gardening since I don't have a yard..."
That would have been my guess, yes. *feels pleasantly vindicated* You did sound like you'd have at least dabbled in gardening if you had someplace to do it.
"I belong to a medieval recreation group..."
SCA? Also, what period costumes do you mostly make? I've collaborated with my sister on a few Italian Renaissance costumes for Ren-Faire wear myself, which is just enough experience to give me huge respect for anyone who does more authentic work. As for yarn, I haven't much talent myself, and pretty much all I've ever done is lopsided extra-large granny-square-style afghans, but I do love the textures you can get with yarn, and I wish I could do more.
Oh, and dolls are a perfect delight; how can there be anything wrong with a venue that allows for making any costume at all, at one-tenth human scale, for something that doesn't say a word of complaint no matter how often you poke pins in it XD
1) A place of my own with all necessities (ie heat, lights, water, etc) which also includes an area of private space.
2) Adequate, and appropriate medical attention and supplies.
3) An adequate amount of healthy food. (For my cats as well... the cats are necessities too.)
4) A computer with internet access (not necessarily at home).
5) A car. (Now that I live in a city with public transit this might not be considered a necessity except that the bus system makes me want to beat people.)
6) Means of mental stimulation.
7) Means of creative expression.
8) Means of education focused on furthering my long term career and learning goals.
9) Adequate funds to pay all my bills and so I don't have to think about money. (Financial stress is hell no matter how many luxuries you do and don't have.)
Luxuries
Anything which doesn't serve a purpose and/or which, if I were to suddenly have to relocate or rebudget, could be jetisoned with minimal pain or without requiring later replacement.
Oh lord, you've reminded me of two necessities I left off my own list:
Cats, yes, definitely. Mind you, I have lived places where pets weren't allowed, but not without hunting down any/all cats in the vicinity as often as I could and paying attention to all of them. Agreed, cats (and their litter, as well as their food) are necessities.
Private space: Once again, my complete agreement. It doesn't come to my mind often as being a necessity, since it's rather easy to get, at least a little of it, but it is, most definitely, a necessity.
That being said: "Means of creative expression..." Any in particular that you prefer?
At the moment I draw, paint, do photomanipulation, write, and create/run table top roleplaying worlds. I tend to cycle through creative endevours and try quite a few things. In the past I've done plenty of handcrafts (not so fond of those) and in the future I want to try jewellery making, sculpture, and movie making.
Given the comments below I'll also add that I'm an INTJ living in Ontario, Canada and I have very little interest in living a voluntarily simplistic life. At least not one as seems to be described here. I love my luxuries. They are something I enjoy and which I think enrich my life. Knowing that I've arranged my life to accomadate the life style I want. I've got a job which gives me sufficent funds and which allows me plenty of time to arrange my life as I want. I've got control over my life which is baically what I've always looked for.
Oh, lord, my sister used to do photomanipulation, and I've seen what it takes to do something worth looking at. Painting, I've dabbled in myself, not with any great success XD ...You basically do everything, don't you? Or at least want to try everything? The only one of the things you listed that I haven't wanted to try is moviemaking.
And you know I sort of figured you were an INTJ, something about the nice tidy way you write. Also, I love the straightforward defense you give of your appreciation for luxuries. I'm from the US of course, and middle-class; I wouldn't know true simplicity if it bit me. All I know is that compared to the ENFP I just divorced I don't need much.
Now here are a few interesting side-comments. I'm curious, for instance, about how your need for mental stimulation has been getting you into trouble. :D
I'm also more than a little charmed by the final bit on number 5: "everyone being nice to me". I am reminded more than a little of Mary Chapin Carpenter and her song about needing passionate kisses.
I got into trouble at work for surfing the net during downtime. I have been getting distracted in similar ways since I can remember- such as in elementary school reading ahead or drawing.
"I have been getting distracted in similar ways since I can remember- such as in elementary school reading ahead or drawing."
I did that too, yes! In Second Grade I nearly failed math (which takes some doing XD) because I spent all the time when I should have been learning subtraction illustrating the margins of my workbook.
Given what you said, it might've been interesting for you to ask where people are from and our opinions about our own lifestyles. I somehow don't believe that you're actually after the lists you asked for
( ... )
I don't associate "voluntary simplicity" with either the religious or the academic.
I am pretty private and I don't care much about social circles or social status or whatever. I rather prefer to avoid dependencies on luxuries in favor of more reliable independence. I am rather "mental" oriented and I have a very systematic world-view built on what I consider actually matters. I tend to go my own way and ignore trends. I think "dedication" is a good word to use in this context. (BTW, I did go into management, but that's certainly not a necessity; it is quite compatible with my interest in psychology and general learning at this time, though.)
"(BTW, I did go into management, but that's certainly not a necessity; it is quite compatible with my interest in psychology and general learning at this time, though.)"
The way you phrase this, it sounds like you view management as something that might constitute a luxury-choice. That interests me, since I don't see job-choices that way at all. Can't any job be either a luxury or a necessity, depending on how it's used?
For instance I'm about to start Law School, a recent divorce having put me into the position of having to start earning A WHOLE LOT MORE MONEY than I do right now. This, to me, feels entirely like a necessity, while staying in my current 4-day-a-week Paralegal position would be the luxury.
I responded to the half-sentence "and don't want to go into management" in nightpincess's response.
Can't any job be either a luxury or a necessity, depending on how it's used?
Probably, yes. In my case, I really do not need the money (but the weakly implied recognition is nice).
I wanted to indicate the change was not really a career move so much as just taking a fair direction to realise some desired changes in experience that could have been implemented in different ways as well. I do not have very clear plans for the future, I may or may not go back to more technical matter. I just try to be useful in what I do and continue learning in the process.
The main necessary part is do have the idea that I am actually contributing to something I find valuable while encountering sufficient stimulation.
Comments 67
1. A place to call my own
2. The basic essentials - food, running water that can be properly heated, clothing and general utilities
3. A good computer with a high speed connection
4. Items for my sewing/crafting habit including a high quality sewing machine
5. Good books that are non-ficition generally dealing with psychology, philosophy, alternative medicine, history or topics related to my sewing/craft addiction
6. A good cd player along with my music collection
Anything beyond that I would consider a luxury or a really cool gift. I'm one of those people who get all excited about receiving a gift that involves something for the home like a new set of bed linens. Chocolate and Roses are nice but I'll take a new cake pan over those any day. :)
Reply
1. You mention that you prefer home-related gifts, and what interests me is that the ones you mention are all used indoors. What about gardening supplies?
2. "...my sewing/crafting habit..." Oho, another NT with good fine-motor coordination? (Something I've heard certain friends I could mention assert should not exist) I make dolls (good ones) and afgans (really bad ones), what do you make?
3. "...topics related to my sewing/craft addiction..." Have you read anything by Susanna Oroyan by any chance?
Reply
1. I'm not much for gardening since I don't have a yard but if I did, garden supplies would be part of my home-related gifts selection.
2. I belong to a medieval recreation group so I spend time making medieval attire for myself and others in addition to attempting quilting, candle making, soap making, beadworking, needlepoint and the like. I find that I do not have the talent for crochet, knitting and other things involving yarn.
3. I have not read any of her books but I may have to read a few. Been contemplating the whole doll making aspect...seems like it could be fun.
Reply
That would have been my guess, yes. *feels pleasantly vindicated* You did sound like you'd have at least dabbled in gardening if you had someplace to do it.
"I belong to a medieval recreation group..."
SCA? Also, what period costumes do you mostly make? I've collaborated with my sister on a few Italian Renaissance costumes for Ren-Faire wear myself, which is just enough experience to give me huge respect for anyone who does more authentic work. As for yarn, I haven't much talent myself, and pretty much all I've ever done is lopsided extra-large granny-square-style afghans, but I do love the textures you can get with yarn, and I wish I could do more.
Oh, and dolls are a perfect delight; how can there be anything wrong with a venue that allows for making any costume at all, at one-tenth human scale, for something that doesn't say a word of complaint no matter how often you poke pins in it XD
Reply
1) A place of my own with all necessities (ie heat, lights, water, etc) which also includes an area of private space.
2) Adequate, and appropriate medical attention and supplies.
3) An adequate amount of healthy food. (For my cats as well... the cats are necessities too.)
4) A computer with internet access (not necessarily at home).
5) A car. (Now that I live in a city with public transit this might not be considered a necessity except that the bus system makes me want to beat people.)
6) Means of mental stimulation.
7) Means of creative expression.
8) Means of education focused on furthering my long term career and learning goals.
9) Adequate funds to pay all my bills and so I don't have to think about money. (Financial stress is hell no matter how many luxuries you do and don't have.)
Luxuries
Anything which doesn't serve a purpose and/or which, if I were to suddenly have to relocate or rebudget, could be jetisoned with minimal pain or without requiring later replacement.
Reply
Cats, yes, definitely. Mind you, I have lived places where pets weren't allowed, but not without hunting down any/all cats in the vicinity as often as I could and paying attention to all of them. Agreed, cats (and their litter, as well as their food) are necessities.
Private space: Once again, my complete agreement. It doesn't come to my mind often as being a necessity, since it's rather easy to get, at least a little of it, but it is, most definitely, a necessity.
That being said: "Means of creative expression..." Any in particular that you prefer?
Reply
Given the comments below I'll also add that I'm an INTJ living in Ontario, Canada and I have very little interest in living a voluntarily simplistic life. At least not one as seems to be described here. I love my luxuries. They are something I enjoy and which I think enrich my life. Knowing that I've arranged my life to accomadate the life style I want. I've got a job which gives me sufficent funds and which allows me plenty of time to arrange my life as I want. I've got control over my life which is baically what I've always looked for.
Reply
And you know I sort of figured you were an INTJ, something about the nice tidy way you write. Also, I love the straightforward defense you give of your appreciation for luxuries. I'm from the US of course, and middle-class; I wouldn't know true simplicity if it bit me. All I know is that compared to the ENFP I just divorced I don't need much.
Reply
1) Constant mental stimulation, whether through internet or books. Getting me into trouble recently.
2) My meds for allergies and PCOS.
3) A car and driver's license. I am extremely independent.
4) Malls and stores to supply my hobbies and needs nearby.
5) Oh yeah, food, water, clothes, shelter, and everyone being nice to me.
Reply
I'm also more than a little charmed by the final bit on number 5: "everyone being nice to me". I am reminded more than a little of Mary Chapin Carpenter and her song about needing passionate kisses.
...Personality type, if you please?
Reply
I got into trouble at work for surfing the net during downtime. I have been getting distracted in similar ways since I can remember- such as in elementary school reading ahead or drawing.
Reply
"I have been getting distracted in similar ways since I can remember- such as in elementary school reading ahead or drawing."
I did that too, yes! In Second Grade I nearly failed math (which takes some doing XD) because I spent all the time when I should have been learning subtraction illustrating the margins of my workbook.
Reply
Reply
I am pretty private and I don't care much about social circles or social status or whatever. I rather prefer to avoid dependencies on luxuries in favor of more reliable independence. I am rather "mental" oriented and I have a very systematic world-view built on what I consider actually matters. I tend to go my own way and ignore trends. I think "dedication" is a good word to use in this context. (BTW, I did go into management, but that's certainly not a necessity; it is quite compatible with my interest in psychology and general learning at this time, though.)
Reply
"(BTW, I did go into management, but that's certainly not a necessity; it is quite compatible with my interest in psychology and general learning at this time, though.)"
The way you phrase this, it sounds like you view management as something that might constitute a luxury-choice. That interests me, since I don't see job-choices that way at all. Can't any job be either a luxury or a necessity, depending on how it's used?
For instance I'm about to start Law School, a recent divorce having put me into the position of having to start earning A WHOLE LOT MORE MONEY than I do right now. This, to me, feels entirely like a necessity, while staying in my current 4-day-a-week Paralegal position would be the luxury.
Could you expand a little on what you meant?
Reply
Can't any job be either a luxury or a necessity, depending on how it's used?
Probably, yes. In my case, I really do not need the money (but the weakly implied recognition is nice).
I wanted to indicate the change was not really a career move so much as just taking a fair direction to realise some desired changes in experience that could have been implemented in different ways as well. I do not have very clear plans for the future, I may or may not go back to more technical matter. I just try to be useful in what I do and continue learning in the process.
The main necessary part is do have the idea that I am actually contributing to something I find valuable while encountering sufficient stimulation.
Reply
a) religious/spiritual/mystic people, and
b) people who lived with involuntary simplicity for so long that it became a habit even after it was no longer a necessity.
Reply
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