Category: creativity

Many times people ask me how to write a book. What they really mean is how do I make time to write. It’s not easy. There is always something else I could do. There are a million reasons not to write and only one reason to write: because it matters to me. I have lots of tools that I use to keep my writing organized. There’s one that I use to hold myself accountable: concrete, actionable goals.

Each week, I write down specific writing goals for that week. I make them specific, actionable, and time-sensitive. Then I take those weekly goals and turn them into daily goals that when added up get me to that cumulative weekly goal. Each weekly goal folds into a larger goal—a book, a screenplay, adding to my writing portfolio, pitching more of my work, etc.

Writing down my writing goals makes them real. Once I write them down, I have to do them. There’s magic in motivation we can see.

In my efforts to focus on health and healing in every aspect of my life this year, I’ve decided to retire from this blog. When I started it 14 years ago, we didn’t have all of the content and social media platforms we have today. My original reason for starting it was to become a better writer. I reasoned that if I made a commitment to write and publish something every day, that practice would make me a skilled writer.

At this point in my career and life, I’m a published award-winning author, a freelance journalist, and a content creator in many different mediums. This blog did its job, and I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met through it. Thank you for being here all these years. It’s been an absolute honor.

Just because I’m retiring this blog doesn’t mean the conversation ends. It’s just moving to platforms where I now spend more time. I would love to connect with you in any and all of these ways:

Twitter – @christanyc
Instagram – @christarosenyc
Medium – christaavampato

This website will continue to stay active, the archive of posts will be available to anyone, and I’ll keep updating the various sections such as my writing portfolio as it goes through a site redesign process.

Be good to each other, kind to the planet, and loving toward yourself. The world needs all of us at our best.

With much love and gratitude,
Christa
xo

The director for PBS American Portrait reached out to me after seeing the banner in Central Park that has my quote from the love letter I wrote to that beautiful space. She asked if I’d let them publish the full letter on their site in their “When I step outside my door” section and this morning it’s live.

https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/27865/christa-a-new-york-ny-when-i-step-outside-my-door

Seeing Stacey Abrams on Colbert last gave me so much hope for our country. What she’s done with Fair Fight is remarkable and I look forward to her holding public office! Georgia’s on my mind and in my heart today. Warnock and Ossoff for Senate—the health of our democracy depends on this special Senate election today.

Watch Stacey Abrams on Colbert at this link:

To begin 2021, I gave myself rest, reading, writing, relaxation, organization, inspiration, art, nutritious food, music, kindness, long walks, & puppy snuggles. A year filled with these things sounds good to me.❤

Each year I choose a word as a mantra. In 2021, I choose health in all its forms in all things—physical, mental, emotional, societal, relationships, home, and career. And I love that heal is embedded in it. Happy New Year! 💚

On this last day of 2020, I’m reflecting on the clarity this year’s given me. Because of all its difficulties and my own personal challenges, I now feel more gratitude than ever before. My heart has grown 3 sizes, holding more love than I ever thought possible. Thank you for seeing me through it all. Wishing you the very best for 2021. May it bring us all back together in good health. ❤️