Source: Celebrating Music
Celebrating Music
Source: Celebrating Music
Author: rachaelathomasj
Hello, I’m an editor with international experience, PR and communications consultant, marketing professional, and educator with over 21 years of teaching experience. I began my career at a very young age, and ever since, communication, education, and empowerment have been central to who I am and what I do.
I bring 10 years of experience in communications and public relations, with a strong focus on crisis management and communications planning. I support individuals and organizations in navigating sensitive situations, protecting credibility, and communicating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. My background in marketing allows me to approach editing and communications strategically, always considering audience, impact, and long-term goals.
I’m also the creator of a globally read blog, which has reached readers in 151 countries and received over 28,000 views to date. Sharing thoughtful content that inspires reflection, growth, and positivity is something I genuinely enjoy.
Beyond my professional life, I’m passionate about sustainability and actively practice recycling, particularly paper and bottles. I also believe in recognizing excellence—when I receive impeccable service, I share it through Google reviews, which have accumulated 74,000 views so far.
At my core, I value integrity, clarity, and kindness. I believe success is personal, growth is ongoing, and life—at every stage—is meant to be celebrated.
Celebrating Music
Music is my solace and it’s a sign I’m relaxed. Hearing me singing and enjoying music is something not many may have witnessed but it’s something Shiva has witnessed on so many occasions. I’ve never gotten around to taping it for those who might find it hard to believe, but the truth is, at that moment you’re thoroughly enjoying the moment.
There is so much truth in these statements:
Bob Marley -“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Friedrich Nietzsche- “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
Victor Hugo- “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
We don’t feel pain when we are really into the music do we? We don’t. Further to this, can we imagine life without music? Surely we cannot, now can we? Music is just so full of energy and rhythm. The lyrics, the beat and everything we can think about are proof that it’s soothing, through and through!
It’s pure therapy for most, including me. It relaxes and it’s healing also. Here is an example:
Can you think of the effect soca, calypso and parang have on Trinidadians and Tobagonians! It’s the perfect example especially when Carnival and Christmas come around.
Just a few weeks the Digicel Rising Stars 2015 completed. Now in Trinidad and Tobago we can all agree that is a big thing as it’s local talent and an outpouring of our local talent . The winner was Angela Didier. Here is some of what you missed:
This past week marked the Finals of The Voice Season 9. It was such a great season that was also overflowing with pure talent.
Music appeals to us in various ways. It means different things to all of us!
Now this is how I need your help everyone! I really would appreciate it! Please share your responses to these two questions:
What does music mean to you?
Which song/ songs make you laugh? Which songs make you sing along?
Hopefully you have enjoyed this but please remember I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Celebrating Success: COSTAATT Graduation 2015!
Today I Celebrate Success: COSTAATT Graduation 2015!
Do you remember this song? This is how the ceremony started and it truly was a perfect start!
It did not dawn on me until I sat in the Regency Ballroom of the Hyatt that the theme blends in so perfectly with my blog. I know it’s been a while since I have been here but it’s been a super crazy period in these past weeks. I know the light is at the end of the tunnel. I can see it and trust me, it’s beautiful!
I’m here now and I’m celebrating! All days are special but November 22, 2015 was different. Not only does this year mark COSTAATT’s 15th Anniversary but it is also the year with the most students graduating from this dynamic institution (1,400 plus). On November 22, 2015 I joined with hundreds of other worthy COSTAATT students who graduated with their degrees. I graduated with the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communications Studies.
Every part of the ceremony was filled with excellence- COSTAATT Excellence.The decor, the positive and meaningful addresses from each of the speakers, the powerful musical interludes and serenade as well as the responses from the audience. The truth is that at COSTAATT we have so much to celebrate that some may not see or may choose not to see and it starts from the very helm with the President Dr Gillian Paul and the Board of Trustees. It is evident at all levels- the Executive Management, Administrative Staff of Main Campus and all other Campuses, the Chairs, Deans, Lecturers, and the Students.
I am sure we each left with more than we know of our esteemed college COSTAATT, our President Dr Paul, the Board of Trustees, our Lecturers and COSTAATT talent.We were delighted to have as our Keynote Speaker, Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts who served as Senior Lecturer- Chemistry at COSTAATT from 2009.
Her very powerful speech focused on the importance of the words”I AM”- As Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts said, “I AM are powerful words…I AM a transformer of lives, I AM the hope for a better country…” and indeed they need to be used wisely!
On this most memorable day too the College Song which was written and composed by Ms Glenda Charles-Harris, Department Chair-Environmental Studies (our prayers are with her and her family members for her safe return) was sung. We were privileged to be among the first to hear the College Song sung and the Staff members and Students of COSTAATT really did it justice in the true COSTAATT Spirit.
Then a few months ago while I was in the process of compiling a Media Contact list for my internship I approached someone in the Industry and when I identified myself as a COSTAATT Student, I was asked in a tone I did not appreciate, I was asked, “Why didn’t you go to UWI like my son, instead of COSTAATT?”
I smiled and I responded. I told her, “I have always been happy to be a student of COSTAATT. We work hard for our grades and it is because of what I have been learning at COSTAATT that I have been able to establish myself as a writer working for clients internationally. It is also why I have been able to get the experience I have acquired.” This experience includes Press Release Writing, Content Writing, Article Writing, Blog Writing and “About Us” pieces for websites.
Years ago when I knew that a career switch would be in the making I started calling around to find out about Degree Options which would complement the BA English I earned from the University of London. I did not know much about COSTAATT at that time (some years ago) and thankfully the institution that told me I should go to COSTAATT, and then apply to them set me on a journey I would not deviate from. They did not realize they led me on a different path of realization and discovery I would see through to the very end, confident in my choice. At COSTAATT I feel at home and I know my decision has been the right one.
I remember my entrance into COSTAATT and it started with Gabrielle Alfonso in COSTAATT’s Admissions Department. She was the first person I spoke to at COSTAATT regarding starting my BA Mass Communication Studies there. From there on it was a journey I have never regretted being on!
Here are some pics from Graduation Day:
Happy to join other Students from South Campus- all Students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies – ( Class of 2015 BA Mass Communication; AAS Journalism & PR)
A picture of me before the Graduation Ceremony
A picture Shiva took after the Graduation Ceremony
Congratulations to our Valedictorians:
Arnold Ramkaran- BSc Environmental Health
Rachelle Deonarine- AAS Environmental Health
Congratulations COSTAATT’s Class of 2015! I am a proud COSTAATT Student! Fellow Graduates another chapter in our journey has started! Let’s embrace it and let’s enjoy it!
Celebrating 2000+ Views on Celebrating Existence! (My Press Release)
Celebrating Existence (https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/)
Contact: Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah https://twitter.com/RachaelAThomas (Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/celebratingexistencewithrachaelathomas (Facebook)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Celebrating 2000+ Views on Celebrating Existence
Aranguez, San Juan, October 18, 2015: On October 12, 2015 Celebrating Existence recorded 2000 views from 37 countries around the world. At this very moment this figure stands at 2,022 views and in this past week it has been viewed not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also in the United States of America, Sweden, Indonesia and Qatar!
Its one year anniversary was celebrated on September 19, 2015. At that time 1,903 views were recorded. Several posts were viewed more than others as is expected, and the content of the posts which have been viewed more are Spirituality, Life, Death, Family, Love, Childhood and Values.
The focus of Celebrating Existence is to inspire, to inform and to celebrate things which people take for granted at times. “October 12, 2015 is a historic day in the life of this blog which remains true to its initial focus and when I’m told that the post makes someone smile or inspires them, I know it is helping and I’m happy that it is!” says owner and creator Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah. She continues, “I write about things I care about and people I care about.”
Through the course of its existence many viewers have shared their thoughts. “Very sobering and thought provoking indeed, makes you cherish life even more,” was Lisa Hernandez’s response to one of the blog posts on Celebrating Existence entitled, Celebrating Existence: Looking within- What does celebrating existence mean to you?
Another comment received on the blog came from Rabindranath Dassyne and reads, “Hey blogger it’s great! Continue the great work.”
As the blog continues so too the celebratory theme will continue. Links to the blog are often shared on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RachaelAThomas and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/celebratingexistencewithrachaelathomas.There is also a “Follow” option on which viewers can click on at https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/.
About Celebrating Existence: Celebrating Existence officially started on September 19, 2014. It began as an assignment for one of the courses listed under COSTAATT’s BA Mass Communication which is entitled Communication via Social Networking. With 49 posts to date it has been viewed in 37 countries across the world. Its inspiration was to Celebrate Existence in every sense since often times our weakness as human beings is to overlook the things we ought to be thankful for.
About Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah: Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah is a BA Mass Communication student at COSTAATT’s Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies. The BA English she possesses is from the University of London. In addition to the eleven (11) years of experience she has as an English and Literature teacher, she has been a Freelance Writer since January 2013 doing Blog, Script, Content, Article writing as well as Press Release Writing and “About Us” pieces for Corporate Websites. Her experience also extends to Professional Proofreading and Editing.
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Celebrating Ganesh Utsav 2015!
Ganapati Bappa Morya! Mangal Moorti Morya!
Ganapati Bappa Morya! Mangal Moorti Morya!
Ganapati Bappa Morya! Mangal Moorti Morya!
For those who do not know Lord Ganesh is the Son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. He is the embodiment of Wisdom and the Remover of Obstacles.
Before I continue please take the time to look at this video and sing the Sri Ganesh Chalisa also if you can!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObUbBZOGrmc
I am also happy to share this bhajan by Pujya Sri Swamiji Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda with you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnAw2ShXcHU
Ganesh Utsav is a time many Hindus the world over look forward to! It is a period of great devotion dedicated to Lord Ganesh, or Lord Ganapati, or Lord Vinayak, or Lord Vighna Vinashak which are just some of the many names of He is called by.
In spite of my schedule for this semester with classes most nights of the week I was quite happy and grateful for the opportunity to be at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Carapichaima on the nights when I was free and to also visit the Coromandel Shiv Mandir as they both afforded me the privilege of doing devotion with family and friends.
Here are some pictures I was able to get on the day of Visarjan (24 September 2015). I am very excited to share them with you!
As this post ends enjoy this video made possible by one of Swamiji’s dearest devotees, Hanuman Hoffman,
Commemorating the One Year Anniversary of Celebrating Existence!
Today marks the one year anniversary of this blog, Celebrating Existence. I have been looking forward to this day so much I cannot believe it is nearly over. I am thankful, so very thankful!!!
This blog has grown so much and trust me when I say how grateful I am for all the support it has received, all the comments, the views and all of the feedback.
The nervousness I experienced when I started is one I would never forget as I wasn’t sure how it would be received. Today, 47 posts later it has been viewed in 37 countries around the world 1,903 times.
- Here is some information you might be interested in:
- Most views: Trinidad and Tobago, then USA, India and Canada
- Some stats you might be interested in: Top 10 posts:
Allow me to remind you of some of the posts that have been shared via these links:
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/what-does-celebrating-existence-mean-to-me/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/about/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/celebrating-me/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/celebrating-nature/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/celebrating-our-diversity/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/celebrating-others-part-1-my-comm-350-classmates/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/celebrating-my-comm-350-classmates-part-2/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/celebrating-today/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/13/celebrating-our-union/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/celebrating-life/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/celebrating-life/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/celebrating-courage/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/celebrating-multiculturalism/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/celebrating-growth/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/celebrating-life-part-2/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/celebrating-comm350-classmates/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/12/25/celebrating-christmas-2014/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/2014-in-review/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/celebrating-2015-a-new-dawn/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/celebrating-my-existence/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/celebrating-good-corporate-citizens/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/celebrating-love/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/celebrating-spirituality/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/celebrating-family/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/celebrating-the-life-of-mr-ramlal-dookie/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/celebrating-my-grandparents-and-the-bond-they-share/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/03/28/celebrating-rama-navami-2015/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/celebrating-hanuman-jayanti-2015/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/celebrating-easter-2015/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/05/10/celebrating-mothers-day-2015/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/05/19/celebrating-love-laughter-and-life/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/celebrating-fathers-day-2015/
https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2015/09/05/celebrating-life-every-minute-matters/
In case you missed any along the way. here’s your chance to enjoy it now! Thank you for your views, your feedback and your support. I look forward to continuing to share information with you, inspire you, give you courage and faith when they are needed, and to Celebrate Existence every step of the way! Let’s take it day by day! Enjoy this moment and celebrate it!
In case you missed some you can enjoy them now!
Celebrating another day of existence- celebrating you!
My post on my Facebook page, Celebrating Existence today!
reads, “Here’s to celebrating another day of existence and celebrating you! You made it through the day and the challenges that presented themselves. You endured, you conquered and you triumphed! Be proud! Stand tall! Celebrate You!”
The link to that page is https://www.facebook.com/celebratingexistencewithrachaelathomas
Allow me to continue. Life presents us with many truths! From before we can even remember we have been dealing with truths, making decisions, dealing with realities and accepting them as they come along the way!
Some truths are the experiences we live through and when we look back we ask, “Huh, was this my life? Did I do that?” Some even ask, “Did I really go through that?” and “How did I survive it?”
Our comfort is that we endure, we conquer, we rise and we triumph by God’s Grace, our Faith in Him, regardless of how we call Him, be it Appaji, the Heavenly Father, Allah, Rama, Krishna, Shiva or any of the many other names He is called by. Through Him and His Grace we have the love of our family and friends too!
Along the way we learn some truths that may seem harsher than others. Here as some:
- Not everyone is You or Me– Expectations from the world may lead to disappointment.
- Never change who you are-don’t lose yourself and what you believe in. With that comes the fact that you should always make ‘YOU Time” (Time for You).
- Some people do not care about who they step on or damage in their aim to get ahead. Let your comfort come from knowing that God does not let His children suffer.
- Every experience gives us something positive. We walk away stronger. The mere fact that we walk away from it or live through it is positive.
- Using the scissors of life can sometimes make the world of difference…cut off the negatives and cut off the crappy stuff.
On that note, “Here’s to celebrating another day of existence and celebrating you! You made it through the day and the challenges that presented themselves. You endured, you conquered and you triumphed! Be proud! Stand tall! Celebrate You!” As I close enjoy this:
Celebrating Spirituality-Part 3: His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and His Three (3) World Guinness Records
Today I take this most humble opportunity to Celebrate Spirituality-Part 3 which focuses on His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and His Three (3) World Guinness Records that have been set in six (6) months.
I apologize for not sharing this earlier as I was unable to but I remain grateful for an opportunity to do so now. When I saw this video words can’t explain how happy I felt. In case you missed it allow me to share it as it really does speak volumes in more ways than one:
Being in the presence of His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is always a Blessing and though we wish we could have been in Dallas for the consecration of the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and all the other events we knew it was not possible.However we enjoyed everything we got via YogaSangeeta, Puttugam, Livestream, Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and all the other forms of Social Media available to us! Enjoy reading this:
These videos on YouTube from Desiplaza Dallas tell a beautiful story of the events as they unfolded. Enjoy them also!
Datta family the world over is becoming more and more connected. We were very happy to see our Trinidad Datta family well represented. Eventually Shiva and I would be able to visit DYC Ashrams outside of Trinidad. As Appaji’s next visit to Trinidad approaches us we can say with confidence that all members of the Datta Family in Trinidad are looking eagerly forward to His visit.
Congratulations Appaji! We love You Appaji! Jai Guru Datta! Sri Sachidananda Swamiji Ki Jai! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Har Har Mahadev!
Celebrating Life: Every Minute Matters
Today I celebrate Life once again under the theme every minute counts.
Indeed it does! I have not been here in an official capacity for some time but I am happy I was able to check this blog and my stats throughout! Thankfully we got through the challenges we were faced with knowing that God has been with us and continues to be with us. My family and friends have made my fight easier and as I always say I am a fighter (not one down for physical blows but I do not give up) and survivor (yes, I do not give up).
Each moment is an experience, and an opportunity for learning. More so, it is an opportunity to be thankful for.
We never know when is our last or when life is going to change or we hardly know when things might go wrong or not as we planned or somethings might knock us off our feet! Each moment is precious- a new birth, a new dawn, a new beginning, a fresh start. How? When you find the positive in every negative!
You know that feeling when you feel you have hit rock bottom, remember this- there is only one way to go and that’s UP! That’s something I remember Dad and I talking about years ago and it remains with me! True enough it’s one of the many things Dad has taught me and that has remained with me. It’s something you should think about too and I hope you can see how true it is!
You know sometimes when you feel no one is listening and no one knows- remember this, God is always looking over us and giving up is not an option- keep YOUR faith in HIM.
You know sometimes when you think the world is being unfair, remember this: LIFE is a cycle- what goes around comes around- You are one of GOD’s children, just as I am. He takes care of us and does not let His children suffer. Why would He when He is our Loving and merciful Father? He won’t and all you need to do is to believe this!!!
As my husband asked, “Rachael, when have you let anyone stop you from achieving what you want? You never, so why now?” He was right! I never do so why now? Sure enough I haven’t stopped and I am on the move!
Enjoy this video! It may be exactly the pick you up which you need:
Sometimes you feel so tired you feel like giving up and you feel there is no more fight! Something you can relate too right? Allow me to share something my Mom said to me some weeks ago, “If you start, there will be an end, but if you don’t start there will be no end and this is something you have to do so don’t put it off!”
This is something you should also keep in mind! Sometimes you need to take it easy, sometimes you need to breathe, sometimes you need to feel. Don’t deny yourself any of that and do not forget what it is to focus on YOU sometimes and making a little YOU time! Sounds good doesn’t it? Celebrate Life- Every Minute Counts!!!
Celebrating Father’s Day 2015
Hi all, what did you do today? Life is too short and can slip away so quickly. Maybe you spent it like me- with family -celebrating Father’s Day 2015.
Before I really continue with this post allow me to wish all Fathers the world over a very Happy Father’s Day! I also use this opportunity to salute my Dad, Mr Ranjit Thomas and ALL the other Dads the world over.
I was really happy to see Daddy. I love my daddy dearly and spending time with him and the rest of my family was the best.
Like you must have done, I always make the most of any opportunity to let my dad know I love him and show him just how much I love him. Dad by nature is a serious person as most people would say, but his smile, his laughter, and being around him is a blessing.The way he and Mom love their family and honour commitments speaks for itself. Starting off as a son and brother, nephew, grandson and great-grandson, Dad later became a brother-in-law, uncle, husband and father. Today he is a father-in-law and grandpa.
Dads do so much and many lose sight of this. They are special and one of a kind -they are hardworking like moms and also nurture, protect, love and guide. I always value my family time.
As I said in my Mother’s Day post,maybe it is ironic coming from a teacher but nothing I have learnt in any class is remotely close to what both my mom and dad have taught me. It’s the total truth with no pun intended and yes I’m older now but I still learn from my Mom and Dad. They have always encouraged me to be the best I can be and it’s because of them I can be like the phoenix rising from the ashes. They have both taught me different things and lessons, but “Looking for a positive out of every negative,” and “If you fail to prepare be prepared to fail” are some of the words Daddy has always shared with us!.
“Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava” Meaning: Mother and father are the primary Gods
I was searching online for something that captures the significant role of fathers and I am happy I came across this. It’s not a 2015 video but a 2011 video. The date June 20 is coincidentally the anniversary of the passing of my Grandpa’s (Dad’s Dad – the late Sahadeo Thomas). He passed away on June 20, 1993 which was Father’s Day of that year.
Enjoy this touching tribute to Dad’s around the world:
Celebrating Existence 