“Sometimes the little opportunities that fly at us each day can have the biggest impact.” ~ Danny Wallace
In a time when emotions are running high, I’ve found myself compelled to be more patient. When I’m on the subway with people who are pushing and losing their temper because of the intense crowding and delays, I am driven to be more tolerant, to smile more, to give others the right of way even when it’s my turn.
So often we think we must do something big to really make a difference. We have to start a company or organization, make a huge donation, or broadcast our message through a megaphone of some form. During this odd time in New York City as we are reminded of the power of nature and the incredible gift of neighbors helping neighbors, I am learning about the immense value of small, everyday kindnesses that we can all give and receive.
They give us a sense of belonging. They cause us to pay it forward, igniting a chain reaction of compassion and courtesy. It’s in these small moments that we recognize just how connected we all are. And it’s a really beautiful thing to understand.
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
6 thoughts on “Leap: Small Opportunities to Make a Difference”
What a beautiful sentiment! I’m reminded of the Art Buchwald article “Love and the Cabbie” about how your actions can affect so many people: http://www.ethicsusa.com/article.cfm?ID=2647
It’s amaziing what happens when we shift out of the doing and striving and having to do something ‘big’ and focus on the simple gestures that heal and transform ourselves and others. In Priscilla Warner’s book, “Learning to Breathe:My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm To My Life”, she visits a Rabbi who lets her know “Some of the greatest things in life don’t have to be so dramatic,the rabbi said. Remember that. You can do something modest. When a mother cradles her child, fireworks don’t explode. That’s the secret of all of life. Some of the most beautiful things happen below the radar. Not on Wall Street, not on television. Not with all the hoopla. It’s in the quiet moments that our lives are shaped. In homes, in cribs, in bedrooms, in the little things,” the soul doctor said to me sweetly. That’s where it all happens.”
Christa,
I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog. It amazes me that you consistently write great post after great post. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Christa Avampato 
What a beautiful sentiment! I’m reminded of the Art Buchwald article “Love and the Cabbie” about how your actions can affect so many people: http://www.ethicsusa.com/article.cfm?ID=2647
LikeLike
Hi Kate! I’ve never read this article before. Clicking over now. Thanks so much for sending it to me 🙂
LikeLike
It’s amaziing what happens when we shift out of the doing and striving and having to do something ‘big’ and focus on the simple gestures that heal and transform ourselves and others. In Priscilla Warner’s book, “Learning to Breathe:My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm To My Life”, she visits a Rabbi who lets her know “Some of the greatest things in life don’t have to be so dramatic,the rabbi said. Remember that. You can do something modest. When a mother cradles her child, fireworks don’t explode. That’s the secret of all of life. Some of the most beautiful things happen below the radar. Not on Wall Street, not on television. Not with all the hoopla. It’s in the quiet moments that our lives are shaped. In homes, in cribs, in bedrooms, in the little things,” the soul doctor said to me sweetly. That’s where it all happens.”
LikeLike
Mary – this is amazing! I am getting this book immediately! 🙂
LikeLike
Christa,
I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog. It amazes me that you consistently write great post after great post. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog. It’s a gift for me to be able to write it.
LikeLike