I’m having a tough time concentrating this morning; there are a lot of thoughts and decisions swimming around in my head. Too many if, then, what if, what then, and how statements. Too many questions without enough answers. My brain is fuzzy and nervous.
I’m not usually like this. Usually, I’m very clear headed. I compartmentalize well. I manage my nerves so they don’t get the best of me. Sometimes writing helps me to get clear. Sometimes just allowing my mind to spin out the questions long enough will allow the clarity to rise to the top. Sometimes I just need a nap. Today, I need yoga, a walk (despite the cold temperatures outside), and a day of rest from this computer. I know, I know, I’ve got a lot to do. A lot to write and plan and prepare. I know. But today, I’ve hit that point of diminishing returns. More time at this computer will not improve my focus; actually, it’s making it worse. Even my computer is slowing down; it’s tired, too. I’ve got to give my weary mind a rest, the same way that a marathon runner takes a rest the week before the big race in order to recharge her body. So it’s time to climb down from my cyber chair and go “out there”.
My friend, Sharni, unplugged earlier this week because she was in the same state. Too many screens and not enough time out in the physical world. I’m going to join her for the rest of the day today. Sometimes when we need to focus, the best thing we can do is let go.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
I’m having a tough time concentrating this morning; there are a lot of thoughts and decisions swimming around in my head. Too many if, then, what if, what then, and how statements. Too many questions without enough answers. My brain is fuzzy and nervous. 
Good for you Christa. This is why I have a no blogging on the weekend policy for myself. I only have my blog posts scheduled for weekdays and I stay off the computer (for the most part) on the weekends.
Aine
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Thank you, Aine! I love your weekend policy. Now I know how you keep all of your posts fresh and full of insight!
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Good for you! I didn’t stay away as long as I had hoped but feel better for it 🙂
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Hi Sharni! Your break inspired me. Even a day-long break was so helpful. I feel great this morning!
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hope your recharging is going well and that y ou don’t see this comment til you’re good & ready!
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Thanks, Col! The recharging totally helped. I feel terrific today and full of ideas. My Mac appreciated the break, too. 🙂
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Christa:
I appreciate your honesty.
You are wise to admit you are exhausted.
That’s life. Trust me, we are all sailing in the same boat.
We are not machines or robots, after all, we are human beings.
We need to re-charge our batteries from time to time.
Whenever I feel low on energy–or there is an inability to focus–I go for a casual stroll in the outdoors. It feels right.
Are you a member of a gym? Have you tried swimming?
I find swimming to be the total body work-out: it is great especially for your cardio-vascular health. After a swim, you really feel pumped up and full of energy.
Just like the proverbial rabbit in the ad, “It takes a licking, but keeps on ticking.”
Also, maybe it would help if you try massage therapy.
Massage can be an antidote to stiff joints and muscles that feel awkward. And try a steam bath too (sauna?).
I hope these suggestions help you. And be kind to yourself, take things really slow even if you feel sometimes like you are overwhelmed with the “to do list.” Bless you.
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Hi Archan,
I love all of these suggestions. I actually didn’t learn to swim until I was 30 so I’m actually not all that comfortable in the water. I wish I was! Something to work on in the coming year. Massage I do love, and I find that yoga is so incredibly helpful! I like the idea of “all sailing in the same boat.” Makes this feeling of being a bit overwhelmed much easier to bear!
Great blessings to you, too.
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