Hello, I’m Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah—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.
Happy New Year 2015 to one and all from me and my entire family! Sing along with us and Abba if you may!
We wish you the very best and look forward to Celebrate Existence with you, your family members, friends and other loved ones in the future.
Stay safe, be blessed and take each day one at a time. Let’s continue to travel on our respective journeys being the best we can be and nothing short of that. If we stumble, we will get up and press on! Each day’s a blessing and each day is a new dawn! Let’s continue on our journey together, walking hand in hand!
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 870 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 15 trips to carry that many people.
Celebrating 2014! That’s exactly what I am doing at this very moment- celebrating 2014 for you, for me, for our friends, our family, our loved ones!
Many may ask why I am celebrating 2014 but they ought to remember I am one who celebrates day by day and takes it bit by bit and this for me is an opportunity to celebrate the 365 days days for what they were! Most certainly it has given me the privilege to meet each one of you online! Thank you for that!
As 2014 is at the end, many will not be able to see 2015. For those who are there is much to be thankful for!
For me it is for these reasons:
My life.
My health.
My family- mom- Doris, dad- Ranjit, husband-Shiva, sister- Ria, brother-Ricky, sister-in-law- Leci, nephew- Richie, mother-in-law- Rajkumarie, brother-in-law- Ugesh, sisters-in law, Vidya and Sumatee and Sumatee’s kids, Rebekah and Joshua, brother-in-law-Kenneth,
My friends
My COSTAATT family-lecturers and classmates all included
One thing’s for sure- ‘Trini’s’ know how to celebrate Christmas! For those outside of Trinidad and Tobago who have never heard of the term “Trini” which I hardly doubt, it refers to Trinidadians and Tobagonians!
Just how do we celebrate it?
Celebration via prayer marking the birth of Christ
Food- Yes….pastelles, ham, fruit cake, punch-ah-crème, all you can eat “Trini” style- be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian- so curry goes hand in hand, meat or no meat,
Music- Parang, Parang, Soca Parang, Carols,
Drinks- Sorrel, Ginger Beer, Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alike
Good company
In closing allow me to say Merry Christmas to all- family, friends, loved ones, COMM350 classmates, Mr. Kayode James, viewers who are following my blog, and all other viewers, old and new alike.
To the readers of this post, it’s an opportunity to be retrospective. We started in September, we worked together, we defied odds and overcame challenges but we persevered and completed our projects in December.
Our paths have crossed and for most of us our paths will cross again. To all the students of COSTAATT’s COMM350 Class of Semester 1 of the 2014-2015 Academic Year taught by Mr. Kayode James, Senior Lecturer at COSTAATT’s Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies, it was my pleasure to meet you and to work with you.
To Mr. Kayode James, Sir thank you for your guidance and support. It was my pleasure to be in your class.
Many of my classmates will be continuing their blogs and they need your support. I ask that you please lend them your support as they offer a lot to learn. Here are the links to their respective blogs. The list is not exhaustive and though it may seem lengthy I am sure there is a thing or two here that will surely pique your interest.
What is your favourite childhood memory? Worth thinking about isn’t it? Here are two quotes I found helpful.
“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” ~Elizabeth Lawrence
It is never too late to have a happy childhood. ~Tom Robbins
I look the time to find out the story about the artist behind the creation. She is the artist behind the creation, What’s your Childhood Memories and though she calls herself “Sapodilla Brown” she is none other than Diana John.
Having been intrigued by the idea of her blog, “Childhood Memories” I decided to speak to her and get an idea of the artist being the creation and about the project itself. Here is what I found out:
Diana John, aka “Sapodilla Brown” is “a half glass full kinda girl” who always tries to live life on the positive side as I’m not an outgoing, open-minded individual. It is not always about putting self first but the needs of others. In life it’s the little things that piss me off like saying you will fail before ever trying to succeed,” she says. I beg to differ as I find her to be open-minded.
I asked, “What inspired you to choose the idea “What’s your Childhood Memories” as your project idea?”
Here is what she said: “My inspiration came from not having any idea what to write. I happened to be searching for a funeral program of my great aunt for a family member and cam across the stuff I still had from my childhood. Then it came to me- why not write about Childhood Memories and I did. The other one or two ideas I got I didn’t see myself much or anything at all.”
I asked, “From day 1 how did you see growth of your project?”
Her response: “The ideas and creativity were there but it was just to get it out. Apart from the fact that I am a bit shy when it comes to approaching people I must admit I fall short when it comes to technology, (apps and gadgets). I have begun to pick up though the project is rounding up.”
“What was been your favourite part of the project?”
This is it: “My favourite part was discovering the things you can do as I had to discover it on my own, entering a whole new realm of technology with the wider world .I never saw myself as a blogger probably only in my head but not in real life. It was a nice challenge but hopefully in the near future, I pick it up again.”
“What is the most positive thing coming out of your project?”
Diana said, “It helped me to face my fears of being heard but at the same time I can still stay hidden. It showed me insight that I may not be able to reach everyone but even some or a little as it gives a voice to be heard and to believe in myself a lot more rather than a little. Apart from the above mentioned it allowed me to open up because these are things I rarely share far more to blog about it. Thanks!”
My final question was, “Is there anything else you would like to share about your project?”
Her response: “Yes, for novices like me don’t be afraid to try despite all the obstacles that may come your way. Also try to keep a clear schedule for this project once it is not a part of your daily live or routine.”
My advice:
Don’t give up. With practice, over time things get easier.
keep at the blog and other social media apps after this. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
This represents my favourite childhood memory- The entire family sitting down for dinner or lunch. We would be at school during the week and dad left early for work and most times he got home late. We tried to have one meal together for the week. It was initiated by my dad and family meal time is something we enjoyed. Really love me family and those times!
Again I ask, what’s your favourite childhood memory?
As I close, I say thank you to Elizabeth Lawrence and to Tom Robbins. Special thanks also to Andrew Kaleb and YouTube for the first video I shared. Thank you J4R Production for the second video. Thank you electronicworldnz and YouTube for the next video. Here’s a tutorial on how to create your own Childhood memory with the piano:
My opening song is from Hillsong Kids and was taken from YouTube. What does Celebrating Existence mean to you? I asked this question and got the following responses. Here is what Celebrating Existence means to Carlotta Alexander!
As Carlotta Alexander, BA Mass Communications student and Office Assistant |Customer Service-South SAGICOR LIFE INC.21-25 Independence Avenue | San Fernando says and shares with us:
“For me just the mere idea that I have life is a celebration. Earlier this year I went to work as usual not considering that my eye was blurry and I was always thirsty. I was too busy to even stop and check myself with a doctor because I so wanted to keep my grades up, meet deadlines of both work and school that I hadn’t realized how sick I really was.
It was only when my daughter fainted in San Fernando and I rushed to the hospital to see what had happened to her that my fellow classmates who worked at the hospital looked at me and begged me to get a card and see the doctor also. I, just wanting to stop their nagging humoured them and look their advice but little did I know that the joke was on me and a detrimental one I must say, because my blood sugar readings were off the charts and my blood pressure well that was another story. All I knew is that they were sticking me needles and putting tubes in me with intern doctors disappearing and head doctors appearing. It took me eight days in the hospital for them to bring down all my vitals and sugar levels and even when I was discharged it was still high. I could have died and I am very fortunate to be alive. I can’t take a day of my life for granted.
Now life is a celebration because I have a greater appreciation of everything and everyone. Things that would have angered or even fret me, I am now more willing to let it go or pass. Life is truly fragile… we must treat it with care. I treat it with reverence now. I find myself looking at my daughter more carefully, now I am cherishing her smile, the way she talks, walks and laughs. I listen more to others and what they have to say. We rush about life as we own it. I have news for you.. we don’t. live, love, learn and most all share while celebrating.
As my close friend Estervia Chaddie,a Secondary School teacher assigned to Cedros Secondary School, Bonasse Village Cedros says:
“Celebrating existence for me means to live fully and the best that I can with those who give me purpose and meaning…my family and few close friends. I don’t just simply exist…I live the life that I love.
I celebrate my existence by trying to fulfil my purpose…still figuring out that purpose as I go along but the journey to find that out is an amazing one!”
Enjoy listening to this Natalie Taylor selection from YouTube:
His titles are many (Guru, Healer, Master, Singer, Philosopher, Appaji, Swamiji, Divinity, Avatar,Teacher, Leader, Friend, Guide, Writer, Philosopher, Puyja Swami, and the list goes on). His impact is beyond great as thousands share testimonies of His role in their lives and His role is worldwide across thousands of miles and spans land and sea. One thing devotees have in common is their love for His Holiness Pujya Sri Swamiji Ganapathy Sachchidananda of Mysore Ashram India. Trinidad devotees have been blessed to be in the Divine Presence of His Holiness, Pujya Sri Swamiji Ganapathy Sachidananda of Mysore Ashram India. Hailed by President of Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Trinidad, Mr Ramesh Persad Maharaj at the Carapichaima Ashram last night as the “Leader of Leaders, Master of Masters and Guru of Gurus,” Pujya Sri Swamiji Ganapathy Sachchidananda has and continues to play a pivotal role in Trinidad’s history as Trinidad is now home to Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima, Aripo Datta Ganga in Aripo, Datta Shiva Ram Temple in Hindustan, Princes Town and most recently, Sri Sachidananda Yoga Ashram in Rochard Road, Penal.
Puya Swamiji…Appaji His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda of Mysore, India.Appaji’s arrival at DYC CarapichaimaBeautifully decorated walkway-DYC CarapichaimaDYC Carapichaima pics at nightDYC Carapichaima night shot!Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman
On Friday November 14, 2014 Pujya Swamiji arrived in Trinidad and greeted devotees at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre after offering Pranams to the 85 ft Sri Karya Siddhi Anjaneya Murti ,Carapichaima. On the morning of Saturday November 15, 2014, Pujya Swamiji left the feet of the Sri Karya Siddhi Anjaneya Murti ,Carapichaima , en route to Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashrama, Penal.
DYC Carapichaima and Sri Karya Siddi Hanuman!
Other pictures that show the beauty of Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Carapichaima:
The entrance!A part of the beautiful site that greets devotees!The ceiling!The lotus pond!The elephant that greets devotees!
The peepal tree!
At the Sri Sachidananda Yoga Ashrama in Penal His Holiness spent 4 days and on the 2nd of these four (4) days, performed the consecration of the six (6) temples on the grounds of the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashrama , Penal.
Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashrama , Penal
Devotees left their homes on these days and braved inclement weather to be a part of this historic event to offer their prayers and to be in the presence of Pujya His Holiness, Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore Ashram in India.
Sri Swamiji and Pundit Shiv Kumar!Homa!
Lord Dattatreya!Durga Maa!Lord Shiva!Sri Rajarajeshwari Maa!Lord Ganapati!Sri Raam Parivaar!
Pujya Sri Swamiji Ganapathy Sachidananda visited the Princes Town Ashram on Wednesday morning and returned to the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima on Wednesday evening. Apart from showering His blessings on devotees, Sri Swamiji conducted puja, sang bhajans and this morning (24 November 2014) His Holiness conducted Bhumi Puja for the construction of the Raam Parivaar and Satnarayan Swami Temples to be built.
Sri Swamiji after Bhumi Puja-( 24- November 2014)
Sri Swamiji left DYC Carapichaima this evening (November 24, 2014) to return to His home in Mysore.
Sri Swamiji as He departs the Ashram in the company of devotees!Sri Swamiji as He departs the AshramMy husband Shiva- preparations underway for Sri Swamiji’s departure!The coconut is offered!
Sri Swamiji is very passionate about helping birds, hence the Shuka Vana SGS Birds. His Holiness shared these videos with devotees at the Sri Sachchidananda Ashram in Penal.
Appaji, we love you and we wish You a very safe journey home. My husband, Shiva Jeremiah and I were very humbled to be in Your Divine Presence and to receive Your Darshan. Appaji, these words we are sure echo the words of several others. Appaji we love You and are happy to be in Your service.
To conclude this post, I share this video from Hanuman Hoffman whom I was privileged to meet, as I thoroughly enjoy the his manner of spreading and sharing Sri Swamiji’s messages, bhajans and teachings. Appaji we love You and to all our Dattatreya family we love you! -Shiva and Rachael! Jai Guru Datta!
Let the Celebrations continue! In this post I celebrate “The Beat of the Drum” and the artist who created it- Mr Krystian Garner.
In case you have never heard of him I am sure there is a lot to pique your interest and you would be happy you decided to read on!
What is The Beat of the Drum about? Have a look at this:
So, who is Krystian Garner? Krystian Garner is a musician and drummer. He has been playing drums since the age of 3 but officially began playing at 5 years old. He likes football, NFL, drums (of course) and helping people to grow just as he does. Added to this he dislikes anything that degrades or discriminates against anyone or anything.
Why did he choose “The Beat of the Drum” as his project idea? Here is what he says: Being that I have been around music all of my life and I want to develop my skills, I saw this as an opportunity to not only reach further by interviewing other people but sharing what I’ve learnt with others.
Has he seen growth of his project? His response: Yes, I have seen growth in my project. It started off as a concept by asking individuals for assistance to add content to my project. Now it has reached a place where musicians/drummers are interested in working with me to do video shoots and share about their experiences. Awesome!
As The Beat of the Drum grows so too does Krystian!
-A mix of Latin, R&B, Reggae, Calypso, Jazz Fusion all in one! Interesting right and definitely something to celebrate right?
What’s his favourite part? This is what he said to me: My favourite part has been meeting new drummers and other musicians around Trinidad and also being recognized by international drum companies, which is a major bonus to my project.
His proof:
What did he identify as the most positive thing coming out of this? Here is what he shared: The most positive thing is the progress of my skills along with more drummers becoming confident to share their videos no matter what level they are at in their journey as a musician.
As he continues to inspire and grow you can follow him not just learn more about him but learn of other successes he enjoys!
On October 21, 2014 my post was entitled Celebrating Life and today I revisit it with Part 2. I honestly felt I need to and I must say that I echo everything that was said then in this post you can read at https://rachaelathomas.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/celebrating-life/. Though some may think that based on this post the focus is on death, here I take the humble opportunity to celebrate life once again, and to show you otherwise. We must celebrate our lives and the lives of those we know as well as all other lives that surrounds us, be us human, plant or animal. In the face of death we should remember that though some can say they know, for the majority of us we do not know when or how our journey here will end and far too often we forget to be thankful for this life we have and what we have accomplished.
Added to this the links I have shared show that things can change so drastically and so many people are denied an opportunity to say goodbye. Far too often people choose to be caught up in gossip, talking ill or others, belittling others, jealousy and all the other things we should not be doing. What good does this serve? What merit is there in such acts? Day after day lives are taken deliberately or lost accidentally quite and often they include the babies among us.
Today I again ask that you celebrate your life and celebrate you. Celebrate the lives of the people around you! Please do not wait for a birthday or anniversary or a funeral to celebrate then what should be celebrated today! What if tomorrow never comes? Celebrate every smile, every kind word, every lesson, every experience, every good gesture you have given as well as those which you have received. As I write this Nickelback’s “If Today was your last day!” echoes in my head.
Say a kind word! Do a good deed! Turn as my frowns upside down!
Don’t change who you are for anyone unless you are changing for the better.
Always be true to yourself.
Always see things for what they are!
Remember very few people change and the other’s get worse over time.
Remember we are all God’s children regardless of how our journey ends.
See every day as a blessing and as a gift from God- the present is a present!
Pray! Keep your faith! Keep your courage! Take it bit by bit and step by step! Celebrate your life and the lives of those you know and love!
Listen to Jamie Grace, “Hold me” (YouTube)
Listen to Jamie Grace, “Beautiful Day” (YouTube)
As Rascal Flatts say on YouTube, Life is a Highway!
Thank you for reading! Thank you for letting me Celebrate Life- Part 2 with you- my life, your life, the lives of our friends and loved ones, the lives of those we know and those our paths will cross, babies or adults, who we will impact on and who will impact on us!
Celebrating Existence 
