Hey everyone! Yes, it’s Independence Day here and I am wishing all Trinidadians and Tobagonians the world over, a very Happy Independence Day!
This year Independence Day is a bit different but all in all a blessed occasion! In this past year especially, I have been able to find out so much more about our twin-island republic and yes, I wear many hats, but collectively, these ‘hats’ have helped me meet some wonderful people in both Trinidad and Tobago.
Today, I celebrate all of them and their respective journeys, their individual pursuits, their successes and their stories. Undoubtedly, they tell the story of our people- determined, patriotic, resilient and committed. They stand in the face of adversity and though at times may not be united, stand together if they really choose to. Over the years we have faced some extremely challenging moments that have shaken us in more ways than one, and yes, we still continue to persevere, but the fact that we choose not to give up is a testimony of its own.
This past year has seen the completion of Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago, and I will forever be grateful that I was inspired to use these words by the late Michael Anthony, a renowned Trinidadian author and historian who was born in Mayaro as they perfectly captured my thoughts and ideas in putting together this book.
Today is the 61st anniversary of our Independence! Here’s to many, many more filled with positivity! “Together we aspire, together we achieve!”
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Post 2:
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Here are three (3) posts where you can find these products. Here are the links:
As always, I encourage you not to pass up on an opportunity to get fantastic products at excellent prices. I also encourage you to check out the posts, like the pages and follow the channels. Enjoy the journey and relish the opportunity to share them with others!
Hey everyone, yes, I am celebrating life’s lessons, and I am celebrating it through the eyes of experience. Certainly, life presents us with so many challenges that sometimes it comes one after the other, but one of the important things is keeping our faith and not giving up!
Easier said than done, right?
Don’t get me wrong, I am not here to tell you I know what you are going through, or to tell you to get over it or to tell you that your challenges are insignificant! That is not me, it was never me and would never be me, and I can assure you that. I believe in treating people as you would like to be treated and I always do my best to help others.
One thing that I always say and those who know me can attest to it is that no one can ever stand in your shoes and fully say they understand what you are going through because there is only one you and a pair of shoes doesn’t fit any two people the same way. The same adjectives may be used like ‘comfortable’ or ‘uncomfortable’ but that’s as close as it gets.
What I do however is share positivity as best as I can with the hope my messages can reach people the world over! This blog is one medium, then there are my social media pages and my most recent addition has been TikTok. Here is my TikTok link for those who want to visit it, https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelathomasj . I also urge you to think about these five things!
Not everyone will like you! In this life, people will be bothered by your success, your achievements, your disposition, your beliefs, your finances, your appearance and your happiness just to name a few.
Not everyone lives up to their word! Often times we would realize this is more real than we expect. Many times people show us what they want us to see! They are about appearances, using flowery language and what we would call, ‘mamagism’. (Re: Dictionary.com to deceive or tease/ (ˈmɑːməˌɡaɪ) Caribbean / verb. to deceive or tease, either in jest or by deceitful flattery.) They say what they think you want to hear and think that’s okay rather than be honest.
Some people don’t realize the more they lie, the more difficult it becomes to tell the truth. It becomes so bad in some cases, that even they begin to believe their own lies.
Some people do not realize that karma is real. It’s not about wishing anyone bad but asking people to apply Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,” to karma, with the full realization that there is a distinct parallel between the both.
People love to create illusions. They don’t realize illusions can be shattered in a split second.
This being said, I sincerely hope these help you!
You don’t need everyone to like you! Your circle may be small but those people you need in your life will be there.
Always use what you know to guide you through your reasoning. Also, don’t change who you are unless it is to become a better version of yourself.
Lies don’t survive. The truth eventually comes out. Just don’t let anyone insult your intelligence, take advantage of you or underestimate your worth.
Always be good and do good! Don’t stoop to anyone’s level! Remember that God always takes care of His children!
Remember sometimes when people choose to be ridiculous, know you just don’t have to respond. I am not saying that should not defend yourself or let others walk over you but sometimes silence pays and trust me, you would know when you should be silent and not expend your energy. Some individuals are so self-absorbed that they cannot see how they are destroying others or hurting them. Don’t subject yourself to insults and by all means if you can, use the scissors of life to cut toxic people out of your life.
In closing, don’t give up! Always believe in yourself! Sometimes, it may not be easy but always know you are not alone!
Indeed, you read the title correctly and you may be wondering how these two come together, but as you go through this post, it will all make perfect sense!
For those who could remember, a couple years ago I would create my own motivational quotes and sure enough they would be a reflection of my own writing. Now, one of the things people either underestimate or remain ignorant of is the power of their words. Words can make you or break you, that is if you let them. If they keep you down, which might probably be the case, it would not be forever. Remember, when you hit rock bottom, the only place after is to go up!
Trust me when I say, everything I do is done with meaning, sincerity, love and a genuine desire to help others. It is my hope that you can be motivated to celebrate opportunity and positivity in the face of adversity.
Yes, I have been aiming for consistency in posting my messages and letting them be a true expression of my thoughts and feelings as I share them with the world and direct them to all who receive them. In case you are wondering what exactly I am referring to, you can check:
This blog was recently viewed in another new country so now in addition to my home country of Trinidad and Tobago it has been viewed in 138 other countries plus has been viewed over 20.5k times and I also have over 250 followers here. https://rachaelathomasj.com/ Yes, it’s in every continent and that’s at least 70% of all the countries in the world!
Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago (my latest book) has been released as a Paperback and is due to be released as an eBook in the imminent future. This book is filled with so much information about Trinidad and Tobago, and yes, it is 275 pages long. Some of the things to look out for are lots of photos (yes, I finally got the perfect way to use so many of the pics I have been taking over the years and I also got awesome pics from family members, close friends and some interesting people who provided a wealth of information for me to create a wonderful representation of our twin-island paradise.
I have invested time in updating my LinkedIn profile as well.
Google has reliably informed me that my reviews have received over 8,000 views at present.
I have also been practicing better self-care and for more reasons than one, all of which are good. As always, I believe in the golden rule, ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated.’
As I often say, I am here to help others, one country at a time and I do it in my own way. For me, it is all about helping others and spreading positivity. It is about good vibes and treating others as you would like to be treated. It is about keeping your focus and yes, like everyone else, just like everyone I have my tough days. As such, some days it takes longer to get back up, but I do not quit or do anything to hurt anyone. Simply put, that is not me. I urge you not to quit as well or do anything to hurt anyone. Always be true to yourself!
At the end of the day, let us celebrate where we have come from and where we are! Let us celebrate our journey and keep our focus! Let us take it bit by bit and day by day! Let us count our blessings, our little victories and each challenge we overcome! Let us rise in the face of adversity! Together we can!
Yes, you read it correctly! Today, May 30th marks the 178th anniversary of our East Indian ancestors to Trinidad and Tobago who came from India as Indentured Labourers. Blessed we are for the sacrifices they made, or else we would not be here!
From the very beginning of our journey, there is a lot to celebrate in terms of where we have come from and where we are today! While many may not understand it, those who know understand it all too well. More so, those of us who have been blessed to visit India have a deeper appreciation for the Motherland.
Trinidad and Tobago’s culture is a true melting pot of various cultures, and we are proud people, proud of our heritage and proud of our multi-ethnicity. In addition to having a rich East Indian culture shaped by our music, dance, food and so much more, we have several key landmarks that tell the story of our culture and our diversity.
Those who know us know us for doubles, our curry and our sweets, they know us for our drums, they know us for our music (religious and otherwise), they know us for our ethnic wear, and this is a microcosm of it all. When our ancestors came, they brought with them our Holy Scriptures that continue to guide us and protect us. They brought the Ramayana, the Hanuman Chalisa, the Bhagwat-Gita and their story is one of determination, diligence, persistence, humility and endurance.
Key structures like the 85-foot Karya Siddhi Hanuman at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima (the largest Hanuman Murti in the Western Hemisphere) which celebrates its 20th year of consecration this year is a significant representation of strength and spirituality. The South Indian style architecture of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in itself tells a deeper story which links Trinidad to India via the unwavering, unflinching dedication, commitment and selfless work of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, India.
Photo credit: DestinationTNT
Another iconic structure is the Temple in the Sea named after the late Siewdass Sadhu, an Indian labourer who singlehandedly built the temple in the sea over a period of 25 years with only his bicycle to transport materials. The temple which is on a man-made island, is connected to the mainland via a pedestrian causeway.
For those of us who are fortunate, we have been able to hear the stories of our ancestors. They have given us our identity and we remain ever grateful to them for all they have done for us!
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Photo Credit: The Ultimate Fragrance Concentration Guide (Pinterest)
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As always, I urge you as always to be your best friend and I call this the opportunity with nothing to lose and everything to gain!
I love helping others as you know, and I would love to help you! Need some more info? Then, please have a look at these videos!
In this post I am celebrating His Holiness, Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji!
To some He is Sri Swamiji but to many of us He is Sadguru Deva, Appaji and Tataji!
He is the bearded Master who loves all of us and mankind unconditionally! He is the one who takes care of us selflessly, whose love transitions everything. He is the one with the priceless smile, with the overflowing energy, who gives and gives and only asks when He needs us to do what is necessary for our own good.
The past couple days have been a testimony of Appaji’s unwavering love and selflessness. His entire life is but this has been one microcosm of a much longer story that is representative of His life and transitions everything else! He is Nada Brahma, friend, teacher, Sadguru, healer, protector, Appaji, Tataji, and so much more in one physical form. He is Lord Datta!
In spite of health challenges, prior commitments, His extremely hectic schedule and so much more, Appaji came to Trinidad from Mysore for His devotees in Trinidad and Tobago and created history once again as His every action resulted in a most memorable visit that would forever be in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by the events of this very short but blessed visit where so many blessed things have happened.
With Appaji’s Grace, an entourage of learned vedic pundits and scholars, all a part of Appaji’s mission travelled to Trinidad from Mysore, India and some from the USA and Canada to ensure that the Maha Rudra Yagam was conducted as it should be and from Day 1 of their arrival, they did excellent service.
In addition to this, devotees came from several different countries to witness the very same and some also, to see His Holiness for the very first time and to do seva. While on one hand His presence is a testimony of His greatness, His every action is a testimony of His greatness! He is the epitome of Truth, Knowledge, Bliss, Grace and Humility! He is Sachchidananda.
Appaji we pray for Your Health. Appaji thank You immensely for all You do for us moment after moment, day after day. Thank You for all that You do for all mankind! You are a blessing to us all! We love You more than words can ever say and value You immensely! You are our Appaji, Tataji to our children, Sadgurudeva to us all! Thank You for loving us, Thank You for guiding us constantly, Thank You for showing us how to live and all the reminders You share with us through social media platforms and Apps. Please accept our humble prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!
Happy Hanuman Jayanti everyone! It is definitely a blessed day for more reasons than one. For starters, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the consecration of the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Center in Carapichaima, Trinidad.
Further to this, it is a blessed occasion because we have with us in Trinidad, His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji- (our dear Appaji), and His Holiness Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji- (our dear Bala Swamiji) with us for these auspicious occasions.
The day was a day filled with prayer, filled with chanting and filled with love for Lord Hanuman.
For us here in Trinidad it is indeed not just a memorable and blessed occasion but also a historic occasion as tomorrow marks the start of Maha Rudra Yagam and next week will be Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. These auspicious occasions are being held in the presence of and with the blessings of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, our Sadguru Deva (our dear Appaji) and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji (our dear Sri Bala Swamiji, junior and future Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham).
For those who are unaware, Sri Bala Swamiji arrived in Trinidad on Monday night and arrived at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre Ashrama in the early hours of Tuesday morning. On Tuesday evening He delivered a very powerful discourse.
His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji arrived on Wednesday evening!
Ram Navami celebrations began early this morning and throughout the day. It began with the lighting of the lamp for Akhanda Rama Bhajana (sun rise to sunset) and continued throughout the day with Homas, Pujas and Satsanga for what was truly a blessed day. As many may be aware, Lord Rama’s story is very important, and He also teaches us many things.
Morning program was followed by evening Satsanga.
Indeed, this is a blessed occasion and a truly memorable one! Thank You Appaji for all blessings! Thank You for all You do for us, minute after minute and day after day!
In closing allow me to share these videos with Sri Ramachandra Ashtakam and the bhajan NamaRamayana!
Celebrating Existence 