my symphony

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 listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; 

to study hard; to think quietly,

 

act frankly, talk gently, 

await occasions, hurry never;

 

in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common

 

– this is my symphony. - William Henry Channing