Author: rachaelathomasj

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.
Posted in Being Prayerful, Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Helping Others, Life, Love and Blessings, Music

Celebrating Opportunity and Positivity in the face of Adversity!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

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:

  • https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelathomasj (you can follow me there to get my daily messages)
  • 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.
  • https://www.instagram.com/rachaelathomasj/ is my main Instagram platform and that continues to grow.
  • https://www.instagram.com/skyprofwritingandtutoring/ I have been sharing more of my professional services here and this is relatively newer.
  • I also have a Spotify channel where I add my favorite music https://open.spotify.com/user/31pyidff5ukqzjeukyrmcryshbh4. Please follow me here if you can!
  • My YouTube channel has gotten over 1,400 views to date https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4fdLy4PsNFIcXfNVDzgSA
  • 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!

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating Indian Arrival Day- 178th Anniversary!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

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!

Posted in Celebrating Life, Helping Others

Celebrating FM World!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Are you interested in getting high quality products for a fraction of the cost? Then you need to read on!

Many may not know but in 2018, I joined this awesome company, and it has been one without regret and countless positives. These are just a fraction of the numerous advantages to business partners.

  • FM World values all business partners
  • It’s more than just fragrance (so much to choose from)
  • You get your own web shop.
  • Awesome discounts available
  • Buy more for less!
  • Help others help themselves!!
  • You decide where you want to be!
  • Your FM World fragrances are only parfum (look at the chart below and compare it to what you have in your possession at the moment)

Let me be real (and you know I always am), it irks me when people get scammed for fragrances and sometimes you try to educate others about fragrances, and they look at you like you are talking nonsense. Fragrance education is real, and this is an awesome start!

Photo Credit: The Ultimate Fragrance Concentration Guide (Pinterest)

If you love parfum, this post is for you and if you are looking for an additional income, then this is surely something you need to examine!

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!

If you would like to join my team, please contact me or use this link https://register-us.fmworld.com/fce1d809-fc41-4835-9aa8-bc63883c4a14

If you would like to shop from my web shop, please use a guest login when you visit https://shop-us.fmworld.com/partner/5229347

Posted in Being Prayerful, Blessings from Appaji, Celebrate Today, Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Appaji!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

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! 

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

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.

Posted in Ram Nawami

Celebrating Sri Rama Navami 2023!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Happy Sri Rama Navami 2023 everyone!

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 Nama Ramayana!

Sri Guru Datta!

Posted in Love and Blessings, Music

Celebrating Appaji’s Music!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

In this post I am happy to share Appaji’s music with you!

His Holiness, Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is Nada Brahma. His music is Universal and like His messages, serve to guide us and protect us! Appaji’s music is nothing short of being full of spiritual vibrations, being therapeutic and being full of energy. Allow me to share this playlist with you!

His energy is Cosmic and Healing and nothing short of Divine! This is why we must listen to it fully and never pass up on an opportunity to listen to it and to enjoy it!

The reality is that words are inadequate to fully describe Appaji’s music and one thing we can agree on is that we are blessed to hear them, learn them, enjoy them and share them with others!

Appaji has also been imploring us to learn Bhagavad Gita and as with every other instruction by His Holiness, this too must be heeded. As such I am happy to share this playlist with you! Please feel free to share it with others.

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Helping Others, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Life: Lending a Helping Hand!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

The focus of this post is on Lending a Helping Hand!

Why? This is necessary for so many reasons:

  • We cannot always tell what someone else’s circumstances are!
  • A smile does not mean everything is okay!
  • We cannot tell someone else how to feel or what to do because many of the times we cannot stand in anyone else’s shoes.
  • Hardly ever will two people treat the same situation the same way!

As you go through your life, people will always judge you no matter what you do! Let them!

As you go through your life, you will come across others that think they know your reality better than you do! Let them!

As you go through your life, some will put you through hell in order to feel better about themselves! Pray for them! God is with you and He always takes care of His children!

These are just some of the reasons why you should always lend a helping hand!

The reality is there are many who need your help though no fault of their own! The reality is many others may be going through some of the unfortunate things you are coping with! The reality is that there are many who may not be able to ask for help!

The reality- always be you! Always do the best you can. Live without regret and never do anything looking for something in return.

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2023!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Did you rock your socks today? Trust me, it’s not too late and there is no better time than the present!

In celebrating this day, this is a video I think you should not just look at, but you should listen to intently and grab the opportunity to share it with others.
If you are not yet inspired, then you surely need to take a few minutes to fully enjoy this video.

Accept others for who they are!

Believe that you can make a difference!

Consistently move forward in the direction of your dreams!

Dive deep into your goals!

Enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to help others!

Face each day with courage!

Greet each day with a smile!

Hate no one, have no ill will or malice!

Invite peace into your heart!

Joke not about serious matters and remember jokes must not be at the expense of others!

Leave no one behind!

Make each moment count!

Notice the changes around you!

Open new chapters but close old ones.

Play your role in bringing about change.

Quickly keep up with the pace!

Rock your socks!

Stay sweet!

Thank God for all your experiences!

Understand that each action counts!

Valiantly view things for what they are!

Wishful thinking is nothing without action!

X-ray your goals

Yes is a sign of moving forward

Zero in on your strengths and weaknesses

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating International Happiness Day!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone, Happy International Happiness Day!

I trust you all had an awesome day! Do you know that there is an international ranking on happy countries in the world called the World Happiness Report which is an annual report?

Please have a look at this!

In case you are wondering why Finland is the happiest country in the world, then this might pique your interest! Please have a look at this:

Bringing this closer to home, my question is, “Are you happy?” I trust that you are and if you aren’t, I pray that you find happiness!

Happiness comes from within! It depends on you and begins with you!

Accept that happiness begins with you!

Believe you can be happy, and you deserve to be happy!

Choose to be happy!

Decide to be happy!!

End the day with gratitude!

Forget all the negatives that have hit you like a ton of bricks

Give yourself time to heal.

Have a good laugh whenever you can- tomorrow is promised to no one!

Invest in yourself fully!

Jump for joy when masks fall off!

Keep it simple!

Look inwardly!

Make time for yourself!

Never lose sight of what you want or more importantly, what you need!

Overcome challenges, one at a time!

Promise yourself to always be true to yourself!

Question what you need to but do not quit!

Restore balance to your life!

Shine like the star that you are!

Take a break when you need to!

Understand your journey and celebrate each milestone!

View things for what they are- cut out toxic, remove negative and trim till you have exactly what you need!

Wake up with a smile each day!

Xenaciously (filled with a yearning for change) be the change you want to be!

Yesterday is gone. Take what you need from it but don’t let it tear you apart!

Zoom in on the finer things in life!

I know things may get tough but, on those days, remember this:

As they say, ‘Life is Short, I wanna live it well!’