So (too) many terms for life choices...

CinnamonSugar

CinnamonSugar

A Quiet American
I enjoy (up to a point) watching YouTube videos about how people decorate/renovate and life style/philosophy choices they've made but I have to say sometimes it's overload on the terms. Minimalism, essentialism, no-waste or thrifting; cottage core, vintage vs. modern, off-grid; veganism, whole foods, clean foods....

I'm not even sure how to label myself. Moderation-in-all-things?? lol

I'm definitely not a minimalist; at least the western version always looks like an operating room/theater to me. Food choices: leaning heavily to veggies/fruit/grains but also eat meat and occasional sweets.

What are some life-style, decorating, or nutrition choices have you made and why?
 

I’m not a good role model or example of any particular lifestyle.

I’m a seeker, a dabbler, and an explorer.

I enjoy learning about how other people live and I enjoy exploring some of their choices.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve become more of a simple living frugal minimalist.

My life choices revolve around my desire for financial security, independence, comfort, and contentment.
 
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How would you describe the type of descriptions mentioned in the OP? I was thinking how important labeling is in so many ways, we can't just throw labels out...so what is it about those hazy, kind of "be like the Jone's" type of labels?
 
caroln said:
Why use a label for yourself at all? It kind of boxes a person in. I can't label myself even when it comes to decorating choices because I like elements of so many different ones. If you want a label, maybe you should just go with eclectic in all things! ;)
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Had to chuckle at your last sentence because i've been known to say i have eclectic tastes in everything including people.
Paco Dennis said:
How would you describe the type of descriptions mentioned in the OP? I was thinking how important labeling is in so many ways, we can't just throw labels out...so what is it about those hazy, kind of "be like the Jone's" type of labels?
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Back in the mid-late 70's i wrote a personal essay thing, rejected by several magazines, on the pros/cons of 'labeling'. Categorizing/ labeling does indeed serve some useful function--the most fundamental ones humans made were Predator/Prey, safely edible/not safe, and help/threat.

Problem was we got carried away with subcategories and hyper sensitive, especially as we started living in more crowded situations, about what exactly constitutes a 'threat'. And somehow we started thinking it was ok for us pass judgement on, criticize and try to limit or eliminate other people's choices even when those choices do not impact our lives in any significant way.
 
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CinnamonSugar said:
Fine by me, @Gaer…. I guess I was just asking how others make sense if all the terminology that’s flying around out there
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I know and I'm sorry, it's my fault for getting the post off track. I made the first reference to labeling. For some reason it just struck a chord with me. To get back to your original question, it seems my life-style choices are getting more limited the older I get. My lifestyle may be a little boring but it's good. I seem to be middle of the road in most things. Nothing too exciting, but not usually dull either. No particular terminology to put on it.
 
CinnamonSugar said:
Fine by me, @Gaer…. I guess I was just asking how others make sense if all the terminology that’s flying around out there
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I don't even try. From early childhood I've lived my way. I dress, decorate home, read books, watch movies and make friends to my own tastes and don't really don't care what any one else might label
my choices. Nor do i often label the choices of others in such things.
 
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I guess if I wanted to sound fancy, my interior decorating theme could be called mid-century. I have a little of this and that from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Most of it came from older friends and relatives when they found that I was in need of furnishings. Oh yeah, I have two floor lamps from the 30's so there is another decade to account for.

As far as food, I lean heavily (getting heavier as the years pass) toward the Hungry Man school.

Perhaps you could say I really don't worry much about such things.
 
The moment we say : " I am this or that or I do this or that or I like or dislike this or that" we are labelling ourselves. Nothing wrong wth labelling yourself, that is how you describe yourself. Perfectly normal!!
As a parent though I would not make labels for my children, because these could stick in their mentality and hinder their progress.
So anyone who wants to label themselves, do so!
I label myself like this: I am a tidy person, I like adventure, I am a gourmet when it comes to food, I am a positive person and so on!
Good thread CinnamonSugar
 
Shero said:
The moment we say : " I am this or that or I do this or that or I like or dislike this or that" we are labelling ourselves. Nothing wrong wth labelling yourself, that is how you describe yourself. Perfectly normal!!
As a parent though I would not make labels for my children, because these could stick in their mentality and hinder their progress.
So anyone who wants to label themselves, do so!
I label myself like this: I am a tidy person, I like adventure, I am a gourmet when it comes to food, I am a positive person and so on!
Good thread CinnamonSugar
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Thanks @Shero, I am enjoying reading all the comments.
 
Back to the topic:
I moved to a newly built house after living for a few months in rented fully furnished house. . My house is warm and cosy, yet does not have a cluttered look, so I guess I am a moderate minimalist and loving it.
I have always had a good diet, but sometimes I like a little junk and I do not feel guilty when I do because food is great and there to be enjoyed.
Lifestyle choice: travel until we can no more, then retire in our old family home in France. I do not know if I have answered the questions.
 

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