My Symphony

My grandfather gave my grandmother a copy of this quote not long before her death because he thought it described her well. I never knew her—she died before my father was grown, but I have always hoped I carried part of her with me through life. I am told she held these ideals closely, and even though this is a pretty well-known quote I thought I’d pass it along. They are good words to aspire to:

To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; 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 Henry Channing