Month: November 2016

creativity

Wonder: What I see in D.C.

Christa Avampato

When I walk out my front door, the first thing I see is the Capitol Building. I saw that beautiful, shining building as I went to vote. The first words many people across the country think of when they think of Washington, D.C. are “corruption”, “arrogance”, “ignorance”, and “out-of-touch”. Let me tell you what words come to my mind: “hope”, “opportunity”, growth”, and “change”.

This is the seat of federal government. It’s also the seat of a bustling entrepreneurship center and a vibrant arts community. It’s full of people who care about ideas that shape humanity, service to others, and change they can create through hard work, dedication, and heart. With the election a week away, it’s easy to feel like we’re a nation that can’t come together, that can’t tackle its problems. We’ve been here before and we’ve not only survived, but thrived. Our job now is to make that thriving a greater part of more people’s lives. We are leaving too many people behind – in healthcare, education, and the economy. The good of the many and the good of the one need to be on equal footing.

After traveling to so many countries, I still choose this one. I still believe that this is the best place to build dreams into reality. I’m still committed to doing the very best I can right where I am in D.C. Let’s work hard and work together to make this place a better place for all people.

creativity

Wonder: Ditching the couch

Christa Avampato

I’m undergoing a major design shift at my home, and Phineas is the architect. Because of his back issues, the best thing I can do to keep him safe is to eliminate furniture he could jump from. I decided to embrace this change and as I did some research I found great design and health inspiration for having a nearly furniture free living room. I remember seeing rooms like this when I went to Sarajevo and Budapest. There’s a Bohemian feel to outfitting a space with comfy giant floor pillows in gorgeous fabric. Health-wise, doing away with the couch improves posture and our entire digestive system improves posture and our entire digestive system. It also give us a feel of being grounded and rooted, promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety. So, my new sleeper sofa is going to go into my second bedroom when I buy a home and I’ll get to work creating a comfy, inviting living space that protects Phineas’s back. Another beautiful blessing.

creativity

Wonder: You and your vote matter

Christa Avampato

There are plenty of people who say voting doesn’t matter. Why bother, especially if you live in the city-state of D.C. that “doesn’t count” as I’ve been told by so many  people. I’ll tell you why: because we need your voice. And we need my voice. And we need everyone’s voice. It’s amazing that we live in a place where we can select our government’s leaders. (Don’t you wish you could do that at work?!) The decisions that are going to be made here in the next few years – about healthcare, education, social justice issues, energy, and the environment – are going to have an impact on generations to come all over the world.I know you’re tired. I’m tired, too. I get the cynicism. I get the frustration. I get the anger. I feel all of those things in fits and starts, too. Don’t let them deflate you. They’re fuel. If we’re going to build a better world, we’ve got to do it together and we can’t do that sitting on our hands. Use them to get to the polls, cast your ballot, and then keep raising your voice. Keep fighting for things you believe in. Keep volunteering in your community. Keep standing up. Keep demanding to be counted. Keep writing. Keep reading. Keep striving. Keep going. You and your vote matter!

creativity

Wonder: Excited for today’s U.S. News & Word Report Healthcare of Tomorrow Conference in D.C.

Christa Avampato

Today I’m going to the U.S. News & World Report’s Healthcare of Tomorrow conference here in D.C. I’m looking forward to hearing from the many inspiring speakers about the incredible work they’re doing. I’m especially keen to hear about the collaborations that are helping to improve patients’ lives and increase access to top quality care. If you’re around, please make sure to find me. I’d love to say hello and hear about your work!

creativity

Wonder: NaNoWriMo starts today

Christa Avampato

National Novel Writing Month starts today! I did this two years ago and it helped me write the first draft of my book, Where the Light Enters, in 30 days. This year, I’m adding further refinements to that book, and working on the outline for the 2nd book in the series. Excited for this next 30 days of writing, creativity, and connecting with other D.C.-based writers through meetups and write-ins.