Category: happiness

creativity, happiness, opportunity, passion, work

Beautiful: For Maximum Happiness, Master Your Passions

Christa Avampato

38e40d42061784fd0a6b46626a4a1751“The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.” ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Somewhere along the way we got the crazy idea that work is work and therefore it shouldn’t be equated with happiness, purpose, and passion. We were supposed to leave work at the workplace and not let it seep into other areas of our lives because we had to create a wall in order to have that coveted possession called balance.

I once had an extremely unhappy and bitter friend who was fond of saying, “It’s called work, not play, for a reason.” Not surprisingly, our friendship didn’t last long and never had much depth. I want my work to be my passion, and my passion to be my life.

Put your time and energy into what you love, even if it’s not how you make your income – yet. Master the things that make you happy and recognize that your abilities have no limitations. Stay interested, stay active, and the world of opportunity will reveal itself.

happiness

Beautiful: How to Live

Christa Avampato

I’ve read a lot of writing about the best ways to be happy, healthy, and successful. This might just be my favorite formula:

Bend, Stretch, Reach, Teach, Reveal, Reflect, Rejoice, Repeat 

Thank you, Andy Revkin!

career, choices, creativity, happiness, work

Beautiful: If Hillary Clinton is Comfortable with a TBD Future, Then So Am I

Christa Avampato

Have you read Hillary Clinton’s Twitter bio?

“Wife, mom, lawyer, women & kids advocate, FLOAR, FLOTUS, US Senator, SecState, author, dog owner, hair icon, pantsuit aficionado, glass ceiling cracker, TBD…”

The part I like best is “TBD…” This especially resonates with me because starting June 26th, my future is completely TBD. I’m heading to Santa Monica for two months to take a break and figure it out. A lot of people I know are surprised, some are shocked, and some are confused. Why go to California? And exactly what is it that I want to figure out?

I need a break from everything
I’ve been go, go, going for years. Maybe from birth. I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation just to rest and relax. I’m always going for a class / some kind of training or a service project or to visit family. I never go on vacation just to, well, go on vacation. So I’ll be doing plenty of relaxing and just having fun. Cali seems like a good place to do that.

Trying out a bi-coastal life
For a long time, I’ve had this dream of a bi-coastal life, using both New York and California as homes from which to live and work. I know New York suits me. I just don’t know if California does so I’m going to try it out. If I come back to NYC missing California, I’ll know I’m on to something.

Figure out my career
I left my corporate job exactly a year ago tomorrow. I forged this career path of my own design and it’s been an incredible learning experience. I got involved in some wonderful projects with wonderful people. I made some huge mistakes. I succeeded and failed in equal amounts, and I’m proud of all of those experiences. A life and career change of this magnitude is worthy of some dedicated reflection so that I can more clearly see the path ahead. This requires me to zone out the noise of everyday life and tune into my sense of purpose and passion. A change of scene will help me do that.

Where will this lead?
I have no idea. Honestly, I’ve put every facet of my career and life on the table for consideration. I have no definitive must-haves and must-gos. Like Hillary, the future is completely TBD for me. If someone of her stature can be okay with total reinvention, then certainly I can, too. Here’s the one thing I know for sure: I’m going to do what makes me happy.

creativity, happiness, work, yoga, youth

Beautiful: Interesting Work is the Fountain of Youth

Christa Avampato

“Find something you‘re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.“ ~ Julia Child

There is no better feeling than being fully engaged. Energy zings right through your veins. Your heart, mind, and spirit are perfectly aligned in your pursuit. It keeps us young, active, and curious.

That’s exactly how I felt as I started working on designs for a personal and home fashion line that will benefit Compass Yoga. The first campaign will begin at the end of June. As I was working on the designs this weekend, I felt all of my skills snyc together in pursuit of this larger goal to build a self-sustaining organization that gets more yoga to more people in more places.

I’m with you, Julia. This is all it takes to generate a joyful life – do work you love that holds your interest and then find a way to do this work as often as possible.

beauty, happiness

Beautiful: Follow the Joy

Christa Avampato

“Beauty is whatever gives joy.” ~ Edna St. Vincent Millay

They say beauty is the eye of the beholder. I say it’s all around us in the form of joy and happiness.

A smile on any face is beautiful.
A laugh or a giggle from anyone of any age is beautiful.
Sunshine, dancing, singing, art, and music of any variety are all forms of beauty because they give joy.
In our family and friends, furry and otherwise, there is an immeasurable amount of beauty.
I find beauty in even the smallest acts of kindness, grace, generosity, and gratitude. These are all paths to joy and we would do well to take them as often as possible.

Joy – it’s all I ever wish for. Beauty – it’s all I ever seek.

happiness

Beautiful: Fun, Little Known, and Hilarious Facts From the Natural World That Are Guaranteed to Make You Smile

Christa Avampato
Otters holding hands while sleeping

How about a little levity? Check out these 30 happiest facts of all time, courtesy of my dear friend, Sara, who always makes me happy whenever I see her, hear from her, and read her Facebook updates. Thanks, Sara!

Number 1 should hook you to read the other 29: otters hold hands while sleeping so they don’t float away. You’re smiling, right? Read on…

dreams, happiness

Beautiful: Your Attitude is Everything

Christa Avampato

30ab7cc776e34f5a60e02d480cbbc1e1“Your attitude determines your altitude.” ~ Slogan displayed at the Culinary Institute of America

And what’s true for future chefs is true for all of us. You will do what you believe you can do. You will go to the places you set your mind to and then work your tail off to get there. Belief in yourself alone won’t get you everything you want but it sure is the very best place to start.

happiness, humor, time

Beautiful: Silly Time

Christa Avampato

cffd2f62332499f07ed635d93038748bThere’s always time for silly time. And it’s so good for us.

beauty, happiness, time

Beautiful: Let. It. Go. A Birthday Wish.

Christa Avampato

46fd853c65ec61773970609f9059c266Here is my one mantra today on my 37th birthday. I’m letting go what doesn’t serve me to make room for more beauty, happiness, wonder, and magic.

happiness, health

Beautiful: Health Happy

Christa Avampato

4d1fb433e09992e2783db0b278d0feda

Happiness has more to do with our health than any other factor. If we can find a way to be happy, really and truly happy, we can find a way to be healthy.