Amish Inspiration?

iQueen

I have been living the Simple Life for many years now, and I have never been impressed by money, wealth and fancy possessions.

A few months ago, I stumbled across a book, while browsing on Amazing, which put my personal philosophy into words: The Joy of Less by Francine Jay.

In my experience, there is definitely more contentment in living simply, and satisfying one's needs (which are very limited), rather than one's wants (which are UNlimited). It also results in saving money! :T

In terms of Economics, if we are barefoot, a pair of shoes brings us maximum satisfaction. A second pair brings slightly less joy, and the more we obtain, the less satisfaction we get. Eventually, getting things, either starts to make us stressed and unhappy, or we require more and more extravagant and exotic things to bring even a glimmer of enjoyment.

Back to the Fifties!:dance:

Justamum

iqueen - I agree with you. I don't want or need lots of 'stuff'. I don't get presents at Birthdays or Christmas because I tell my DH that there's nothing I want. I don't want something bought for me just because there's an 'occasion' for it. My mum does buy me a couple of jumpers for Christmas, and when she visits every year she'll bring some t-shirts or something she no longer wants. I don't have many clothes, and hate clothes shopping anyway - I get panicky when faced with all the clothes in the shops, so end up just wearing the same old things all the time.

The only thing I would disagree with you about more bringing less joy is books - we've got over 1,000 and I can't resist picking more up at the dump or the charity shop!

hilstep2000

If you are after the "pantry" look, the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) always keep a years' supply in hand.
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread414036/pg1
Thought this may be of interest.

Justamum

hilstep2000 wrote: »

If you are after the "pantry" look, the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) always keep a years' supply in hand.
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread414036/pg1
Thought this may be of interest.

Some of those Mormon pantries are amazing - if I had the space I'd love to have a decent store of food. At the moment I've got a couple of 80 litre boxes with food in, but if I had a house with a cellar I'd definitely get more in.

Florenceem

iQueen wrote: »

I have been living the Simple Life for many years now, and I have never been impressed by money, wealth and fancy possessions.

A few months ago, I stumbled across a book, while browsing on Amazing, which put my personal philosophy into words: The Joy of Less by Francine Jay.

In my experience, there is definitely more contentment in living simply, and satisfying one's needs (which are very limited), rather than one's wants (which are UNlimited). It also results in saving money! :T

In terms of Economics, if we are barefoot, a pair of shoes brings us maximum satisfaction. A second pair brings slightly less joy, and the more we obtain, the less satisfaction we get. Eventually, getting things, either starts to make us stressed and unhappy, or we require more and more extravagant and exotic things to bring even a glimmer of enjoyment.

Back to the Fifties!:dance:

Totally agree! My 3 DDs are shoe obsessed plus handbags plus clothes plus......

oldtractor

I am very interested in the Armish and their lifestyle. I love the clothes.

meritaten

oldtractor wrote: »

I am very interested in the Armish and their lifestyle. I love the clothes.

Prefer Regency myself - but I know what you mean! Plain, Simple and Modest! wouldnt want to wear the Kapp all day though! must be ruddy hot in summer with all those clothes on too!

I think I admired the housewifely skills a lot. without having thought too much about how they come about..........being taught from childhood how to cook, clean and raise children - while never having a chance to explore your OWN talents and skills. The lifestyle is not for me - lmao - I would shock the Amish speechless - I am too 'modern' for them!

iQueen

Florenceem wrote: »

Totally agree! My 3 DDs are shoe obsessed plus handbags plus clothes plus......

My 3 also, sadly.

iQueen

Justamum wrote: »

iqueen - I agree with you. I don't want or need lots of 'stuff'. I don't get presents at Birthdays or Christmas because I tell my DH that there's nothing I want. I don't want something bought for me just because there's an 'occasion' for it. My mum does buy me a couple of jumpers for Christmas, and when she visits every year she'll bring some t-shirts or something she no longer wants. I don't have many clothes, and hate clothes shopping anyway - I get panicky when faced with all the clothes in the shops, so end up just wearing the same old things all the time.

The only thing I would disagree with you about more bringing less joy is books - we've got over 1,000 and I can't resist picking more up at the dump or the charity shop!

I'm like you about presents, I was sick of receiving very expensive stuff that I didn't need or want. So now, I give anyone that asks, a list of things that I need. Today, I received a surprise packet of stem ginger biscuits through th post, from DD1. I was thrilled! :j

I am also a bibliophile. My house is stacked with books. But, I have realised that it's only a sad way of impressing people that I'm intelligent and erudite. So, I'm planning to ruthlessly weed my libraries - if people cannot recognise what I am, via interaction, then thousands of books won't enlighten them.

Eventually, even books can become an unnecessary burden. :eek: They require a lot of storage space, cleaning, preservation, and to be read. If we have too many, we won't live long enough to read them all, we become hoarders, and they become monolithic decoration or clutter. How sad for them, when they could be entertaining, educating, and informing other people.

Now, I've just got to find the time! :rotfl:

NoahsPennilessMummy

I`m a Mormon and yes we do keep supplies of not only food but medical stuff etc.....it is part of our teachings and it is known as "preparedness".

We also have quite a simple life with modesty and chastity laws etc.
We believe it is a mans role to be the breadwinner and if poss the woman should have the role of full time homemaker and bringing up children.
It is acceptable for a woman to work if the money is needed for surviving but if women work only for luxuries on top then that is frowned upon.