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
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
This post is available as a podcast on Cinch and on iTunes. 
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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