generosity – Christa Avampato

In the pause: Be beautiful you

March 17, 2017 Christa Avampato

“She woke up every morning with the option of being anyone she wished. How beautiful it was that she always chose herself.” ~Tyler Kent White

There is something so beautiful about people who choose authenticity, who are exactly who they are in every setting, with every person, every time. It feels good to be with these people. They make us want to live out loud.

As you go through life, I hope you find these people, hold them close, and let yourself follow their example. Be who you are. Life is too short and too precious to waste your time trying to be anyone else. And the world needs you, exactly as you are, right now. Surround yourself with people and in settings that appreciate everything that you are and everything that you have to offer. Don’t settle for anything less.

creativity

This just in: You can make someone’s day right now

October 18, 2015October 18, 2015 Christa Avampato

There’s an older man in a wheelchair who makes balloon animals for all of the kids near the Columbia Heights metro stop. No matter the weather, he’s out there. I walked past him the other day as a little girl ran to him smiling and squealing with delight. You’d think he was her long lost best friend. And he returned that smile right back to her. The two hugged and he immediately began twisting a balloon into a puppy for her.

That unparalleled joy from both of them showed me the power of connection, the power of giving and receiving. It can come from everyone to anyone everywhere at any time. It knows no limits nor bounds. A smile builds a bridge across every divide and level of diversity. It brings us all together.

creativity

This just in: Walls and tables

September 18, 2015September 17, 2015 Christa Avampato

My friend, Sofia, posted this beautiful quote and it really got me thinking how often we seek to defend what we have rather than share it with others. The truth is that the more we share of anything—ideas, wisdom, energy, patience, kindness, love, compassion, empathy—the more we receive. Scarcity of goodness is a complete myth. If we have the courage to give, we’ll find ourselves richer in the ways that matter—love, friendship, trust, happiness—than we ever thought possible.