Celebrate Today – Page 3 – Celebrating Existence

Celebrating the way forward! Growth and Experience!

Posted on March 9, 2023 by rachaelathomasj

They say in life you win some and you lose some. The reality is every experience is meant to be learnt from. From every experience whether it is negative or positive, there will be a positive and the positive you walk away with is the lesson you learn. Treating someone as they treat you is not the answer and it should never be. The answer is to treat others as you would want to be treated and more so, never do anything you would regret.

Quote by Mother Teresa; Photo Credit: Word on Fire

With experience you will be wiser or at least you should be. Do not let anyone take advantage of you and distance yourself from toxic people.

Now, to look back at 2022 just for example, is to look back at so much and also to relive so much- loss, pain, hurt and negativity. Being the person that I am, I don’t want to go down that road.

Those that we lost are no longer in pain and they are no longer suffering. This is my comfort.

If people chose to come out of our lives then I guess it’s safe to say they did what they wanted to. If people choose to judge us, then so be it. That’s on them, not us!

Also, if people chose to be unfair to us, that’s their cross to bear, not ours.

This being said, it means what you need to do more than anything is to keep your focus and be thankful for your blessings! Remember,

An Attitude of Gratitude
Be Positive
Carry Only What You need
Do not give up
Enjoy each moment
Focus your energy on what needs to be done
Give your best always
Have fun doing the things you love
Isolate yourself from toxic people
Judge no one- instead practice self-reflection and analysis
Kindly treat people the way you want to be treated
Live life everyday as if it is your last
Make it your duty not to harm any human or animal
Notice changes all around you- it’s inevitable
Overcoming your obstacles is not out of your reach
Placing yourself in harm’s way is never advised
Quitting is not an option so quit quitting
Realize this journey is yours and not anyone else’s
Search deep within and find what you need
Trust that everything will fall in place
Understand that lots of people where masks and not all smiles are real
Value those who are true to you
Worrying about tomorrow doesn’t help.
Xanadu is the Utopia you create for yourself.
Yesterday is gone! Learn from it, don’t dwell on it!
Zero in on your tasks 1 by 1!

Surely, we can agree that Everyday Life shares several pertinent messages! Higher Power compliments it perfectly as well! Enjoy the music!

Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Local Wildlife, Nature and the Environment

Celebrating World Wildlife Day!

Posted on March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 by rachaelathomasj

March 3, 2023

Hey everyone, Happy World Wildlife Day 2023!

World Wildlife Day is dedicated to celebrating the world’s wild plants and animals, the contribution they make to our lives and to our planet. In this post, I am celebrating World Wildlife Day with the rest of the world by celebrating our local wildlife and sharing some videos that help to highlight some of the excellent work being done in Trinidad and Tobago.

When we think of local wildlife here in Trinidad and Tobago, lots of local animals come to mind. One of these animals is the macaw. Here is a video from the Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust which you can thoroughly enjoy and learn something from.

In case you are wondering about the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, certainly this virtual tour would allow you to see just how precious this place is and how remarkable the work being done here is! In addition to being about conservation, the work being done here also focuses on so much more, both for our flora and fauna.

I have also had the opportunity to learn more about our local wildlife through the work being done at Corbin’s Local Wildlife in Tobago. This tourism story which I am highlighting below speaks volumes and I am sure many parts of it will resonate with you. It is a tourism story shared by Mr. Roy Corbin, the owner of Corbin’s Local Wildlife. All of the animals highlighted here are local and their existence is also critical in managing our local wildlife.

Surely, we can agree that this is very insightful and if we have an opportunity to make a difference, we should. A couple days ago I had the opportunity to look at their virtual tour and I look forward to an opportunity to visit in person. For those who would like to view it, please click on this link:

https://www.tobagowildlife.org/tour/ Furthermore, for those who wish to make donations, please use this link https://www.tobagowildlife.org/donate/ or the information below:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/corbinlocal or via Bank transfers to:

Name: Roy Corbin
Account number 21105000033603
Bank name and address:
Scotiabank, Scarborough, Tobago
SWIFT No. NOSCTTPS

Irish Natural Forestry Foundation,
Allied Irish Bank, Skibbereen, Co Cork.
Account no: 01711-078; Sort Code: 93-63-75.
Iban IE86 AIBK 9363 7501 7110 78
Bic AIBKIE2D
Lodgements marked INFF(Tobago)

I am intrigued by the story of our leatherback turtles. Protecting these leatherback turtles is increasingly important and this video is one that you should surely take the time to look at. In addition to Grande Riviere, there is also Matura and some places in Tobago. Let’s all make a conscious effort to save our wildlife and understand that we can make a difference!

Happy World Wildlife Day 2023 everyone!

Together let’s make a difference! Let’s do what we can to save the wildlife of our beautiful country.

Celebrate Today, Education, Learning Opportunity, Life, Surviving Covid-19

Announcing my Online Classes: IELTS (Academic & GT), CELPIP, ESL, CSEC

Posted on March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 by rachaelathomasj

https://livexp.com/rachaelann-2427bb

Hi,

Have you been looking for alternatives to help you, your friends, children or other close loved ones in accessing tuition online?

In the event that you are wondering why online options are better at this point, it is because of the very fact that Covid-19 has placed several challenges and restrictions around the world. These have created so many trying options that many have not expected.

As people the world over continue to get things back to normal many still need help to prepare for their exams- (at least not the way they want to) and parents have been put in a position to help them get their education and help them prepare. To view my profile and sign up for my sessions please click on the link below:

https://livexp.com/rachaelann-2427bb

Rest assured that I am offering many great options. Over the years I have acquired a lot of experience as an ESL Teacher. In addition to being TEFL Certified, I am also a trained IELTS Specialist for tutoring students preparing for IELTS Academic and General Training. I have also gained a lot of experience in tutoring persons preparing for CELPIP exams for all the strands being tested on as well. Bear in mind too that I am also continuing to provide tutoring for CSEC Exams for English (A), Office Administration, EDPM and POB.

IELTS, CELPIP and ESL Tutoring are available to people from all around the world. My CSEC online classes in particular are available to persons from several Caribbean countries and surrounding countries namely Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Belize, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Suriname.

What benefits are in store for those who join my classes other than online tuition?

1. Videos on demand and ample notes

2. Opportunities for individual attention & personalized feedback

3. Lessons, assignments & quizzes that are easily accessible

4. Courses that are offered at great prices

5. An opportunity to benefit from discounted offers when provided

6. An opportunity that will help them realize that they should not give up

7. Having me as your Lecturer- means having someone who is dedicated, committed and passionate about teaching and helping others as well as a host of other benefits including my years of experience.

Here is your invitation to join me for any of my online classes!

I urge you to make full use of this opportunity and to share it with others! It is in every sense, yours for the taking!

I look forward to seeing you there and looking forward to working with each person who signs up. Here is my video introduction!

Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating New Year 2023!

Posted on December 31, 2022January 1, 2023 by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone!

Happy New Year 2023! If you are reading this, it means you survived 2022!

Let’s celebrate all we have overcome in 2022 and all that awaits us in 2023 and beyond!

Let’s also take the time to understand the meaning of Auld Lang Syne.

2022 has been quite a year but with it there have been lots of lessons and just as there have been for me, surely, there must have been for you! To those who ended the year with me, thank you! To those who have supported me, thank you! Let’s move forward together!

As I celebrate all that I have overcome in 2022, I urge you to celebrate all that you have overcome! Celebrate you! Celebrate where you have come from, celebrate where you are now and celebrate where you are going! Celebrate your journey, celebrate each step you take and the journey that await you!

As you do this, please accept some friendly advice (yes, it’s a A to Z version created by me just for you!):

Always be true to yourself!
Be your best friend and not your worst enemy.
Celebrate you, where you are and where you are going!
Do not let people and situations destroy you!
Erase negative qualities!
Find a positive out of every negative.
Give yourself the best chance possible!
Have faith in yourself and do not underestimate your worth.
Invest in self-care! Invest in you!
Journeys vary for everyone- yours is different with others!
Keep your focus!
Love yourself!
Make every moment count.
Never give up.
Open your eyes to reality and accept it for what it is.
Passionately pursue your dream(s)!
Question what you need to but only to find answers that will help you!
Remember silence is golden.
Show the people you love that you love them- don’t just say it!
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Use the scissors of life!
Vision Boards help so create your own! Place it where you can see it every day!
Wasting time is not an option! Every moment is precious!
X-factor applies to everyone, so, what makes you unique?
You are stronger than you realize and your strength comes from within just like your peace of mind.
Zealously move forward, giving your best always!

As this post is being written, it’s already New Years Day 2023 in many parts of the world. Here is a short video sharing some of it.

In many countries too, there are different traditions. Have fun looking at this video from the Today Show with some of our favorite hosts.

If you would like to sing along to Auld Lang Syne, here’s a video you will enjoy as the lyrics are there!

I wish you the very best to you and for your family for this New Year 2023! Be true to yourself! Take it one day at a time and don’t give up!

Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings, Music

Celebrating Music- Spreading Positivity!

Posted on July 5, 2022July 5, 2022 by rachaelathomasj

To the world with love! Surely you must need this, so let the music play! I am going to create a playlist with this on YouTube just for you!

As promised, here is the playlist everyone!

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

Celebrating Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman’s Anniversary and Appaji’s Birthday!

Posted on June 9, 2022June 10, 2022 by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

Yes, you have read the title correctly!

“It’s a Happy, Happy, Happy Day! It’s a Holy, Holy Day! “

These are the words which have been playing in my head all day, because for us (meaning the devotees in Trinidad), the celebration is two-fold! The difference is, I am hearing it in Sri Bala Swamiji’s voice and the only other song I stopped to sing today was “Vande Santam Hanumantam” when I heard it in Pt Ganesh Maharaj’s TikTok video being sung by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda!

@punditganeshmaharaj
♬ Vande Santam – Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

This was one of the first bhajans of His Holiness that I heard and today I was reminded of my initial visits to the majestically tall Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti which stands tall in Carapichaima. It is one many Datta devotees enjoy listening to, so I am sharing the YouTube link here.

Why is the celebration two-fold?

Let me explain:

June 9, 2022 marks the 19^th Anniversary of the consecration of the 85ft Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti by His Holiness Pujya Appaji.
At the time when this post is being written, it is already Jyestha Sudha Ekadasi in India. It is also the day when we celebrate the Lunar Birthday of His Holiness and we wish His Holiness a very Happy 80^th Birthday!

The 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti here in Trinidad is one that reminds us day after day, how blessed we truly are here in Trinidad. No amount of words can ever say how truly grateful we are!

As the day began, for me it didn’t feel like one where I wanted to be rushing and sorting work! Yes, I know work is important and it takes so much of my time, but it was a day when I wanted a different pace and in more ways than one, I got it.

The energy, the peace and the way the entire day unfolded was proof of it!

For those wondering about Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman, please allow me to share an excerpt from a post on Trinidad Hanuman Datta Mala, “Apart from that, Sri Appaji has always realised from His early visits, that our ancestors brought Hanuman worship in their hearts and minds and would sing his Chalisa if physical worship was not always possible, because of the difficulties they faced! This Hanuman devotion sustained them and helps us now also to overcome all obstacles!”

Please take the time to click on https://www.dattamalatt.com/post/happy-19th-consecration-anniversary and read the article in its entirety. Also, please take the time to view the video on the page in its entirety.

As described in “The Journey- Memoirs of A Devotee of Parama Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji,” by Sheetal Prasadji, a very humble and gentle soul who is widely known as a musician and author, who is Trinidadian by birth, “On that most auspicious day, Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pontiff of Datta Peetham and Spiritual Master to countless devotees all over the world, by His Divine Sankalpa, consecrated the Karya Siddhi Anjaneya Temple and later stated, Now He had synthesized Himself with Sri Hanuman and taken permanent residence in my ‘Bhoomi’ my home land (Chapter 31).

For those wondering about the consecration day itself, please take the time to view this video posted by Hanuman Hoffman. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=YcgT5S_1360 Also take the time to view this video posted below:

With an abundance of posts on Social Media, namely on Facebook to mark this historic occasion, the energy and celebration were evident. They were all filled with so much love with several special moments and memories shared by Datta devotees. For most of the day messages and posts celebrating the anniversary of Lord Hanuman dominated social media and messages celebrating Appaji’s birthday were evident as soon as it was either morning in India or it was morning in other parts of the world.

What made my day was being able to view Puja and Purnahuti live from Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Ashrama and being able to hear Appaji’s message as before one of the live sessions concluded. It gave me renewed energy to do one of the things I love most- writing!

Today was a day of peace, a day of giving thanks and a day for counting blessings! It was also a day of positivity and gentle reminders.

In closing I take this opportunity to wish Appaji a very Happy Birthday 80th Birthday year to You! Please accept our humble Prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!

@punditganeshmaharaj
#punditganeshmaharaj #85fthanumanmurti #hanuman #karyasidhihanuman #trinidad #westindies #caribbean #oneofakind #hinduism #sculpture #murti
♬ original sound – punditganeshmaharaj

Celebrate Today, Education, Educational Opportunity, Learning Opportunity, Life

Announcing UNICAF’s University Programmes!

Posted on June 4, 2022 by rachaelathomasj

Yes, you read the title right!

For those who know me, you would know that I am on a mission to help others and touch the lives of people the world over, one country at a time. A question I always ask is, “Why deny yourself an opportunity to achieve the success you deserve?” As such I am sharing this link with you as I want it to be easily accessible to you https://apply.unicaf.org/

Have you seen this video? If not, please check this out as an opportunity to study with UNICAF is one you certainly should not pass up!

Backed by top investors from across the UK, US and Europe, their reach is global and in this video you can see they help students from around the world. They offer a host of programmes- Bachelor’s Degrees, Masters and Doctoral in a variety of fields- medicine, law, science and technology just to name a few.

Also, if you need to look at this video:

Give yourself the opportunity to invest in your future and to make your dreams a reality. Don’t lose any more time and remember it is yours for the taking! Apply today and start that new chapter of your journey today! Also, apply, share and give someone the gift of education today! Apply today!

Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Education, Learning Opportunity, Life, Love and Blessings, Uncategorized

Celebrating my experiences with Premier TEFL!

Posted on March 17, 2022March 18, 2022 by rachaelathomasj

Do you want to teach online? Do you also want to enhance your chances so that you can teach, travel and settle anywhere in the world? Then you need to read this post!

In case you are wondering if you read the title correctly, yes you did! So if you are looking for recognized school to do your TEFL Training with, this is certainly it! Premier TEFL is certainly it!

Photo Credit: Premier TEFL This is exactly what I needed in this pandemic- FULLY ONLINE!!!

This is because a couple months ago I began my journey with this institution and trust me when I say that I have not been disappointed. Having had the choice of quite a lot of institutions I did my research well and thankfully, good research has paid off.

My course was fully online, it was easy to access my study material and chart my progress every step of the way. What made it easier is that even though I had a very busy schedule I was able to study at my pace and ask for more time to complete my studies in case I needed to.

While I know not everyone’s experience will be the same, I am quite happy to share my experience! My advice to you would be to use this link https://premiertefl.com?ptaff=900 and check out their courses for yourself as you will realize there are many options to choose from. What becomes vitally important is knowing how recognized your qualification is and ensuring that you give your best.

Photo credit: Premier TEFL
Here is a review someone else shared about Premier TEFL!

Here is a review I posted: https://goo.gl/maps/CFhCNc3XTwLKifY88 as this may also prove helpful to you!

What’s even better is that thanks to Premier TEFL I am a trained and TEFL Instructor who is happily working my way through other courses at Premier TEFL.

As I do this I can easily reach out to the support team and I am always being informed to the best places to apply for TEFL jobs. Trust me, it is a journey you will enjoy so get ready to ‘wet your feet’ and begin a new adventure, for you as well as your family!

Photo Credit: Premier TEFL This is true on so many levels!

Thank you Premier TEFL!

Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating the Journey!

Posted on December 26, 2020December 8, 2022 by rachaelathomasj

There are times when you think you know but then you realize that you don’t. You think you need it but then you realize you really want it.

This being said in this post I am celebrating the journey! Where are you on yours? Have you taken the time to celebrate it? Have you stopped to think about it? If not, please know it’s time to!

This is in every sense the myriad of life! This is something we all go through at one point or another. However, through it all it is imperative that we understand this is what life is- experience, highs, lows, ups, downs, and so many other forms of contrast other than what has been mentioned before.

Think about it- you are where you are because of where you have come from! You are where you are because you made a decision to start somewhere! You are where you are because you saw something and you put one foot in front the other and started a walk that led you to where you are today!

So it’s not the road you wanted- not the straight path you envisioned. It’s not the road you imagined it would be. Instead there are bumps (unexpected surprises that are not so good), maybe some potholes (disappointments that cause you pain) and winding bends (things that show you the need for added caution).

Stop and think or at least try to think! What is the last thing that made you smile? When was the last time you laughed? Where were you? What were you doing? What prompted it? Who was there? What made you so happy?

Hopefully this begins to get you thinking but don’t just think- feel and experience! Replace pain and sadness with something that is the opposite. Don’t ignore it and don’t forget it but don’t let it get the better of you.

Find some positives that can replace the negatives! Remind yourself of why you started and remind yourself of why you need to finish! Think of what you are sure about and focus on that to help you clear the path of uncertainty.

It may sound tough to do but once you get started it will become easier. Remember too that procrastination may just be a hindrance. It always helps to be your best friend rather than your worst enemy. Similarly it always pays to be true to yourself!

This is your journey and it needs to be celebrated. If you don’t celebrate it then it is highly unlikely that anyone will do it for you! Don’t wait until tomorrow because tomorrow we can agree is promised to no one!

It’s yours for the taking. The moment is yours for the making. Make the most of it! Live with no regrets because simply put, they are not worth it! Regrets are like weights that hold you back and weigh you down! What’s important is to live without regrets! Learn from mistakes. Try to right the wrongs! Treat people as you would like to be treated! Live each day like if it is your last.

Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Life

Celebrating Truths!

Posted on November 29, 2020November 29, 2020 by rachaelathomasj

In this post I am Celebrating Truths! The question many may ask is why? The response is that there are things we may avoid saying or listening to but at times we need to in order to prevent others from having to deal with such harsh truths and realities!

Being private does not mean being ‘social’ or ‘rude’ or being ‘stush’ or ‘unsociable’. It is called keeping your personal matters to minimal people which can occur for several reasons:

1. You cannot deal with a lot of people.

2. You don’t want to have to answer unnecessary questions.

3. You don’t have too much time or energy.

4. You don’t have time for the ‘faker-shaker deal’- a term I use for those who pretend, act pretentiously and generally use a façade because they feel they need to for the sake of appearances.

Many may choose to question why people keep to themselves and these are some of the many reasons that they may not understand. Instead they may choose to judge and condemn you. Leave them to deal with the karma they create and remember the important practice in life is treating people the way you want to be treated. Once you do that you will be at peace and you will have peace of mind. Just be sure that you do not let anyone take advantage of you or your kindness.

It is also important to note that with all things given respect goes a long way. Putting up appearances does the most harm to the person putting up the appearances.

Imagine my horror when weeks ago I placed a post and it I got a Ha-Ha-Ha comment to a photo I used which read, “When I look at my students I see unlimited possibilities.”
It wasn’t so much that it was Ha-Ha-Ha as it was from someone who has a child of her own. It was nothing short of distasteful but it was valuable insight of the mindset of many who choose to give up on our students and how they can positively contribute to their lives.

You better believe it! It’s another Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah original!

The thought that came to mind was, ‘Imagine how horrific it would have been if this is how I viewed my students or my role as a teacher.’ Thankfully it never was and my students could all attest to this. Their progress and achievements is also proof of their determination and their beliefs.

‘Faker-shaker’ may sound neat and maybe even poetic but it is a harsh reality. Being true to oneself is what counts! Life is filled with opposites but those opposites help to create the balance and equilibrium that are so desperately needed. Those opposites help us to find ourselves and help us to appreciate this journey we call life.

A SWS Designs original- another personal quote

Don’t be the person who paints an image on social media of caring but otherwise turns a blind eye and a deaf ear. Don’t be the person who is dismissive who cannot comprehend the negative messages their actions are creating.

Lots of food for thought right? Maybe! All in all it is a reminder to keep your focus, it is a reminder to be true to oneself and it is a reminder that you need to be as real as possible so that the world doesn’t get to you!

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