yorence:

To have a sense of appreciation that some things are of more value than others, and that inward assurance that the soul is good friends with what makes the birds sing, the flowers grow and the stars twinkle, lends a quiet, inward calm beside which other forms of pleasures and rewards are as nothingness itself.

To earn a little, to spend a little less than one earns; to love and nurture a few living things… a shy little plant in the window, or an affectionate dog; to thrill at the sight of a morning sunbeam lacing itself through the dinginess of your room; to own and often read a few dear old books until they grow as intimate as a prayer; to have a few understanding friends to whom you never need to explain, and then to know how to keep that friendship in repair; to be able to entertain yourself with the memory of deeds done for themselves alone without any desire for reward of applause, and with thoughts that cluster like a wisteria round a noble purpose, and thus make fragrant your solitude; to be content with the homey things that are nearest —- daily bread, daily loves, daily duties —- so that you do not have to grasp at the stars for adventure; then at eventide a simple prayer with the benediction of sound sleep, while the silent stars keep vigil overhead, and the childlike trust that God is behind all… Ah, that is to live with plenty, which is just enough to make life what it should be… an adventure in happiness where one finds those precious things that neither age nor misfortune can snatch away!

—- W. Waldemar Argow