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 Ellery Channing
"I just love this verse by William Ellery Channing. It reminds me to slow down, to revel in quality, to live intentionally and beautifully…" ~ Deeanne