Tag: gratitude

creativity

Wonder: The power of reaching out to people you admire

Christa Avampato

writingI’m a big fan of reaching out to people I admire – authors, activists, business leaders, politicians, and anyone doing a passion project that I find interesting. I write cards, email, use Twitter – whatever method seems best suited to them.

Every time I’ve gotten a reply, it’s been a wonderful honor. Sometimes it’s just a lovely exchange. Other times it’s led to conversations that have then led to job offers, joint projects, and mentorship. I never go into these points of connection wanting anything except to thank them, to say how much I admire the work the person is doing and how it’s impacted my life.

So if there’s someone you admire, someone who’s work has really been of value to you, reach out. Tell them. Let them know that what they’re doing matters to you. We all need a little encouragement. We all need to know that what we’re doing is making the world better in some way. Be that person who helps someone continue to do the work they love to do.

creativity

Wonder: Find utility in everything

Christa Avampato
road1
Dance!

“Be patient and strong, for someday this pain will be useful to you.” ~Ovid

Here’s what I’ve learned: good, bad, or indifferent, every experience we have, person we encounter, and place we go is useful. It shapes us into who we are and who we will become. The good times and the tough times are all necessary. So if you’re having a good time, dance. And if you’re having a tough time, dance. Dance because what happening to you right now is contributing to the wonder that is you, and you are wonderful.

creativity

This just in: Travel makes me grateful

Christa Avampato
The magnificent city of Pest as seen from Buda's Castle at sunset
The magnificent city of Pest as seen from Buda’s Castle at sunset

Travels helps me count my blessings. After a full night of sleep, I woke up this morning feeling so grateful. Grateful for the chance to travel and learn about different cultures, and grateful to live in the U.S. and call it home. Sarajevo is a sad city, plagued by geographic isolation, the legacy of the war and communism, poor health of the people (70% of them smoke), and a true lack of opportunity. Budapest is bustling, thriving, and full of life. The two are in such stark contrast to one another and couldn’t have been more different.

And then I landed at Washington National airport, and my eyes opened up even wider. We are so lucky here. We have everything we need to build a good life for ourselves. Certainly our country has problems and challenges and its own wounds that need tending and healing. What we do have is possibility and potential. And while potential alone can’t get things done, it does provide the fuel we can use to build something beautiful and meaningful.

Travel is a gift that keeps on giving. It gives us empathy and understanding for cultures not our own, and then it also helps us appreciate what we have at home in our everyday lives. It’s a realization I hope I never lose.