Author: 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.
creativity

Wonder: You can be everything

Christa Avampato
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Collage amalgamation tribute to Steve Jobs by artist Charis Tsevis

“You don’t have to just be this or that. You can be all of it. You can be an amalgamation.” ~Rapper DDm at Creative Mornings DC at Renwick Gallery

I’m still thinking about Rapper DDm’s presentation about language and identity at the Creative Mornings DC talk. I’m still energized and inspired by his words, his decision, and his encouragement to be everything that we are. From Diana Ross to Li’l Kim to the influences of ancient fashion from the Moors to the rough streets of West Baltimore, DDm put all of that inspiration into a mixing bowl to invent himself, his look, his language, and his art. And he continues to reinvent, learn, grow, evolve, and experiment. The only thing he sets in stone is his right to be exactly who is in every moment on his terms.

That’s a right we all have—to joyfully be who we are, to make the decisions that are right for us, and to live the lives we want to live. Embrace your own unique brand of madness. Surround yourself with people who support that journey. Have the confidence to be exactly who you are and to become all that you want to become.

 

creativity

Wonder: Black History Photo Archive Discovered at The New York Times

Christa Avampato
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George Tames/The New York Times

In honor of Black History Month, The New York Times is publishing never-before-seen photographs that depict powerful moments in black history. It’s unclear why the negatives of these photographs were buried for so long in yellowed aging envelopes in its archives. I hope that story eventually comes to light. In the meantime, the Times will add new photos to this website as it curates a deep, provocative exploration of race, an exploration that is long overdue.

creativity

Wonder: Do what you can where you are

Christa Avampato
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A short distance ahead

“We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.” ~Alan Turing

We can now see further than at any other time in history. Social media, virtual reality, and a news industry that reports in real time through rich media can take us to any corner of the world with a few clicks.

In terms of time, we can only see and know this moment. We can only forecast and hypothesize about later today, tomorrow, next month, and next year. We’ll know how it all shakes out once we get there. For now, let’s just make the most of what we have and know and can do right now, from wherever we are, using whatever we have. If we can all do that, we’ll be able to build a better world together. It all adds up.

creativity

Wonder: Journey to who you are

Christa Avampato
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Rapper DDm at Renwick Gallery for Creative Mornings Washington, D.C.

“You find who you are by seeing it. It takes a journey to develop your voice.” ~Rapper DDm at Creative Mornings Washington, D.C.

I was blown away by the Creative Mornings event with DDm about the power of language. He redefined language as our entire presence – what we say, what we do, and how we look. Hundreds of creative people sat enraptured at 8:30am in the main room at the Renwick Gallery on Friday. We laughed and we learned, together. Language conveys who we are. To learn who we are, we need to explore.

So get out there, way out there. Leave your comfort zone. Try new things. Meet new people. Put yourself in a place that inspires you. Be around people who are proud of who they are, and who celebrate your unique perspective. Learn something that you’ve always been curious about. Create something beautiful. Be shiny. Do something that makes you smile for the joy it brings you. Find your voice, and use it.

 

creativity

Wonder: Born to live

Christa Avampato

Do-more-than-just-exist“The purpose of this glorious life is not simply to endure it, but to soar, stumble, and flourish as you learn to fall in love with existence. We were born to live my dear not to merely exist.” ~Becca Lee

I’ve spent the last few days taking in the sky. I walk to work, and during the blizzard this weekend I went outside very little. For the past couple of days I’ve been walking the same route I’ve been taking since May, but it looks different now. It’s not just the snow. It’s me. I’ve missed this route, the time to walk, think, and notice the world. The sky is open and soothing. The winter sun has this pure, cool light that’s calming and rejuvenating. I realized this morning as I walked through Rock Creek Park that everything really is going to be okay. It’s not okay now. It won’t be okay today. But eventually, it’s going to be fine. I just have to keep showing up, taking care of people, and doing my best to make my corner of the world a little bit better than it was yesterday. And that’s my way of really living.

creativity

Wonder: Getting to work in Washington, D.C.

Christa Avampato
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Rock Creek Park, January 2016

My neighborhood is still buried in snow four days after the blizzard. The Federal government and school were closed on Tuesday, but my office was opened so off I went. The buses aren’t running and the metro had significant delays so I hoofed it. 2.5 miles over snowbanks and through the woods, across snow-packed streets, and through puddles of slush. It was fun, actually. The people I saw along the way (on the mostly deserted streets) smiled wide and said good morning. We stopped to let traffic go by and made bets about how long it would take for these snowbanks to melt. The view was worth it. I finally found a river I could skate away on, in Rock Creek Park. Joni Mitchell would be proud.

creativity

Wonder: You’ve got to set and meet your standards

Christa Avampato

iStock_000001171305checklistThis week I’m dealing with people challenging my gut. I know the right thing to do. I know the standards I have to hold – for myself and for others. Of course high standards are frightening for those who don’t want to be held accountable and don’t have a strong work ethic. I have to push ahead in spite of people who are like this. I know what I need to do and I know how to get it done. The standards that you set for yourself are the ones you have to live by.

creativity

Wonder: The music in you

Christa Avampato

heartbeat“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche

A lot of people tell me they wish they could meditate, but they just can’t sit there. They can’t be silent. And then I tell them they don’t have to be. They actually can’t be. There’s plenty of music in all of us to keep us company.

There is something amazing about tuning into the music inside of us. The beat of our hearts, the coursing of our blood through our veins, the rhythm of our footsteps, and even the whirring of our minds all carry music in them. When I sit down to meditate every day, that’s the music I hear. That’s my focus. And it can be yours, too. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique music that is you.

creativity

Wonder: How to rediscover the light

Christa Avampato

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“Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness, and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.” ~Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott is one of my very favorite authors. I like her sass, crankiness, and craziness as much as I adore her poetry and poignancy. Her thoughts on faith are particularly inspiring. I’m not a religious person. I don’t go to any kind of house of worship (except to see art and architecture), and I don’t consider myself to be of any denomination. I do believe in the goodness of people and the wisdom of the universe. I do believe we are all connected and the very best we can do on this plane is to take care of each other.

Sometimes life leaves us shaking our heads. It leaves us confused and bewildered. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do people who behave badly often seem to skate by unscathed? Why is there violence, cruelty, loss, narcissism, and on occasion, massive disappointment? I don’t know any of those answers, though I do know this: the light returns. Always, always, always. The scene that the light illuminates is undoubtedly different after any kind of major emotional event, and it will be seen.

I often hate the mess of life. It can leave us gutted and uncomfortable. In those moments, I sit. I breathe. I listen to the beat of my heart. I remind myself that all over the world every living being is experiencing that same rhythm of life, whether they know it or not. If we can tune our senses to that oneness, then I find that we can bounce back from anything. Braver, wiser, and with more compassion than ever. We become the light.

 

creativity

Wonder: Snowcrew.org

Christa Avampato

I’m happily snowed into my adorable, cozy apartment this weekend. Plenty of delicious food, lots of creative projects brewing, and, of course, my sweet dog, Phineas. I’m lucky and I know it. Many are not. If you have a desire to get some exercise and help a neighbor manage through the blizzard this weekend and once it’s all over, check out Snowcrew.org. You can volunteer to help dig out neighbors in your city and even right in your neighborhood. If you need help getting your sidewalk or steps shoveled, you can request help right on the site, too. Grab a shovel, lend a hand, and warm a heart. Let’s get through this together!

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Snowcrew.org