This post is available as a podcast on Cinch and on iTunes.
“No” is a difficult word for me. Whenever I see a worthy cause, an interesting project, or a place that I can do some good, I want to take up the task. The trouble with that tendency (and maybe addiction?) is that I end up fragmenting my time and running from the time I wake up to the time I get home. Yoga and meditation have helped. My writing has helped. Lasting focus takes something more, and shares something with every other meaningful change we seek to make – a real desire to live differently and the ability to say no to distractions that don’t serve the goal.
I get some energy, and some of my self-esteem, from being able to manage it all. I take pride in my organization and efficiency. It gives me a rush. Having that rush is fun for a bit, though after a while it does grate on me. I get worn down and frustrated, and the fault is mine. I’ve been calling myself a recovering multi-tasker, and like all recoverees, I have to manage my impulse to do too many things as once without doing real justice to any of them.
I went on a date on Saturday. Nice guy, but not the right guy for me. He said something that has stuck with me for a few days. When I told him about my job, my yoga, and my writing, he simply just said, “Wow. You’re busy.” And it wasn’t in a mean, nor an admiring, way. It was just a fact. On the way to the train, I thought, “Wow. I’m too busy to meet someone.” Even if this guy had been the right guy for me, I don’t have enough time to get to know him. I’ve painted every little corner of my time with too many commitments, without leaving enough space for spontaneity or even just to relax and unwind.
After so many years chugging down this path, I’m hopping off of the too-many-obligations train. I’m going to really start this journey of building in free time, truly free time, to my life. I’m going to work on my yoga and my writing, and with the rest of the time I’m having fun. I’m going to make more time for the people (and the dog!) in my life, and for me. I’m going to begin to be free more often.
The image above was created my Shorewalker and is available here.
This blog is part of the 2011 WordPress Post Every Day Challenge.
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
This post is available as a podcast on Cinch and on iTunes. 
Christa Avampato 
Love it! I usually read your posts and get stressed myself just thinking about doing all of the stuff you are doing so I like this plan for you. I can feel the more relaxed vibes already!
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Up to now it’s been manageable though I really want some more spontaneity in my life going fwd. Gotta make some room! 🙂
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awareness is the first step. good for you christa. we’re all a work in progress. xxoo
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Thanks, Col! I’m excited about this renewed focus. Clarity is a good thing 🙂 Hugs!
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