“To live content with small means
To seek elegance rather than luxury
And refinement rather than fashion
To be worthy, not respectable
And wealthy, not rich
To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly
To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart
To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never
In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common
This is to be my symphony”

William Ellery Channing

Thanks to Terri at Windlost and Moonlight Nimi for reminding me of this lovely quote!