“Amidst the worldly comings and goings, observe how endings become beginnings.” ~Tao Te Ching
There’s a lot of talk about making endings in beginnings, but how does it actually happen? Here’s what’s worked for me:
- I spend some time to consider what actually learned in the goodbye so I can use that knowledge in my next hello.
- I take the emotion out of it. I let myself feel all my feelings about the ending, and then I really let them completely pass. I don’t take those emotions into my next beginning.
- I trade fear for excitement. There’s a fine line between the two, and I try to focus on the positives of a new journey.
- I remember the tough parts that caused me to say goodbye to the old.
- I ask for help. I have a small circle of people who really encourage me along my new paths and their belief in my gives me confidence to keep going.
- I have faith in myself and in the journey. There’s a Buddhist teaching that says every moment contains exactly the lesson we need exactly when we need it. I’ve embraced that philosophy. The Universe works undercover in ways that I don’t always understand in the outset. But when I look back on my life I’m able to see the purpose for everything. I have faith that this will always be the case. Life makes sense in reverse. I trust the timing of my life unconditionally.
Have you turned an ending into a beginning? How did you do it?
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
“Amidst the worldly comings and goings, observe how endings become beginnings.” ~Tao Te Ching
Could the timing of this be any more perfect? I am hanging up my running shoes and saying goodbye to my amazing run of a running career these past 6 years. I am going to be able to have the opportunity to heal the effects of polio and my left leg that had been energetically encased in the leg brace. I can feel that I am moving to higher and higher ground on my rehabilitation journey but in order to do that I had to let go of running. I will however always be a runner and a part of the community but have to let go of the physical practice if you will of running. This has to be one of my all time favorite posts – and there are many but this is powerful, poignant and exacting in Truth, light, love and compassion. Thank you. xo
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Oh my – Mary, I am teary eyed over this comment. You are so amazing and brave. I know how much running means to you, and how much you believe in the healing process as well. Perhaps running has taken you as far as it can along your path and now it’s time for something else to come into your life. Sending you love, light, and peace, as always. xoxo
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The Universe continues to amaze me. I am writing today’s blog talking about moving to higher and higher ground and how it’s all about perception and attitude and just wrote about how the Universe has opportunities waiting for me! Our two blogs today are in beautiful harmony. I’m going to quote you about running has taken me as far as it can along my path. Bless you and love you xoxo Can’t wait to read your manuscript. xoxo
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You’re just amazing! starting my edits on the manuscript on Christmas Day. I’ll be in the car for most of the day to visit family and it will be the perfect time to get Ms. Emerson into tip top shape for you and my small group of initial readers. Yahoo!
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Can’t wait! The best gift of the season ❤ Take good care my friend. Life isn't always easy but it sure is beautiful and sweet.
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