“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.” ~ Jean Paul Richter
On Sunday morning, Phin and I were taking a walk in Central Park. It was so beautiful outside, one of those picture-perfect New York Fall mornings that confirm my belief that New York is my home. We wondered for several hours enjoying the foliage, the soft wind, and the sunshine. A little girl who is ordinarily afraid of dogs thought Phin was so cute that she put aside her fear and gave him a pat on the head. “This is huge for her. Thank you so much,” her mom said to me. I was glad we could help. We then walked under the footbridge that leads to the Met, and as we emerged on the other side I was unexpectedly overwhelmed by a sense of happiness and peace. Everything in that one moment was just perfect.
I’m nearly finished with writing a post a day that focuses on extraordinary living. I have seen, experienced, and learned so much on this journey. It has been a year filled with surprises, some happy, some sad, and all worthwhile. The most surprising discovery has just recently started to make itself known to me – that extraordinary living doesn’t really have anything to do with exotic vacations, a fancy job, the amount of money or prestige we have, or how well-received our ideas are by others. It has much more to do with finding extraordinary joy in very ordinary moments – taking a walk with my dog, cooking a meal, commuting to work, and having coffee with a friend. If we can find happiness in those everyday moments, then there’s nothing that can impede an extraordinary, well-lived life.
The photo above depicts Central Park during the height of Fall. It was taken by BrownRice.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.” ~ Jean Paul Richter 
Christa Avampato 
Christa, I have been reading your blog when I get the chance since your Mom retired – you have a beautiful and wonderful way of looking at the world (part of which reminds me very much of your mother who I adore!) I appreciate your thoughts on living an extraordinary life in the simple things. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Hi Karen! It was so wonderful to see you at my mom’s party. Thanks for much for all your support of her – I know she really treasures her Highland friends and misses them every day. And thanks for reading the blog. So happy to have you here as a way to connect. Cheers!
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This post literally gave me goose bumps! So true!
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Thanks, Sara. The ordinary is a really beuatiful thing 🙂
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That is a lovely discovery and one that will see you happily through ALL your days no matter what they may bring :).
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It is lovely indeed, Trish. And much thanks for all of your encouragement!
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