“Happy people learn that happiness, like sweat, is a by-product of activity.” ~ Frank Pittman III
Happiness doesn’t happen to us. It doesn’t find us by accident. The happiest people I know get out there and work for it – happiness is a priority for them. They actively cultivate relationships and activities that make them smile. Sure they hit rough spots – they have times of sadness and loneliness, times when they’re disappointed or feel sorry for themselves and for others. But their MO when these tough times hit is to take action to turn the situation around. They feel empowered and confident to improve their lot in life, and by extension take their positive outlook out into the world to help others.
As we head into the dark half of the year, I start my ritual of reflection. Thinking about where I was last Fall, where I am now, and where I’d like to go. I take note of all of the good people and events in my life, and count my blessings. I am lucky to have many, and I know it. Lately a few things have been making me especially happy these days and they deserve some recognition:
1.) My dog, Phineas. I got Phineas almost a month ago to the day and he’s become such a good pal that I’m not sure what I did without him. He’s a continuous reminder to me that hurt can heal, that it’s okay to leave the past in the past and move onward and upward.
2.) Love is in the air. Some people think of Spring as the time for love. I always find that Fall is better in that department. I haven’t found that love just yet, but for some reason I feel like he’s right around the corner.
3.) The holidays are here. It’s not yet Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas are already abundantly present in stores across the city. I’ve started to think about holiday plans, and am looking forward to more time with family and friends. The holidays are always a joyful time for me, and this year will be especially so as it’s my little niece Aubree’s first year with us.
4.) Opportunities are cropping up everywhere. Once we tell the world exactly what we’d like to do, the world has a way of giving us resources to get those things done. It can be scary to admit, out loud, what we’d like to achieve, but I assure you that it is the best way to get the life you want. Be vocal about your dreams.
5.) A new boss at work. Change can be hard and getting a new boss can some times be a bit nerve-wracking. We don’t know how it’s going to go until we’re there. Lucky for me, my new boss is fantastic and she’s jumped right in to be a wonderful collaborator.
What things have you done to help generate more happiness?
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
“Happy people learn that happiness, like sweat, is a by-product of activity.” ~ Frank Pittman III 
I love what you’ve written here, Christa. I’ve thought about the whole idea of “achieving happiness” and, like you, I know that it’s totally doable. As Freud said (or was it Ludvig von Drake?) “First we must recognize the problem and then we can solve it.” Of course that requires an understanding that the whole Happiness thing (which I call Happiness Quotient or HapQ) CAN be affected by the choices we make. Gonna wallow, bitch & moan about a situation/relationship that’s bringing you down? OR Are you gonna DO something about it?
Someone is always not happy…
http://www.anniefox.com/parents/parents_11-07.html
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Hi Annie,
I love that quote – I do think it’s from Freud. Ironic as he’s been popping up in my life a lot lately.
That HapQ metric is awesome. Looking forward to reading your books 🙂
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Great blog Christa! Thank you! I agree – sometimes you could find yourself lost in the day to day life rush and lose perspective of the things that bring a smile to your life. For me, it’s my wife, my parents, my nieces and having an active sport life. The challenge is to keep these things always present in your mind so “minor” problems (work, life) don’t affect you… And yes, it’s scary sometimes. Thanks again!
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Hi Jose,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I love that you are so clear on the most important things in your life. It speaks volumes about your happiness!!
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