Category: Celebrate Today

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 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!’

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating Excellent Deals!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone,

Here are some excellent deals you don’t want to pass up on! I am sharing a range of awesome deals that you’d like so please, just click on the link and order your product!

I know this is one many will love! If you are looking for a 30-day Ketogenic Meal Plan then check this out! https://ds24.io/ETyJIDlsR

Having seen the rush that many people are in for this, I know many will be happy with this link! If you have been looking for the Wesley Virgin’s Genie Script that so many are searching for, then you need this link https://wesley-virgin.clickfunnels.com/optin1605825484720

As many continue to take strides to protect their health, certainly this is one which will pique the interest of many. It’s a medicinal garden kit designed to protect you and your family, https://medicinalseedkit.com/kit/?aff=rachaelathomasj This is another link you might want to use, https://www.digistore24.com/redir/379812/rachaelathomasj/

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence

Celebrating Existence- 20,000 views!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, it’s celebration time! March 18, 2018- Celebrating Existence has reached 20,000 views!

Another thing that is for certain is that there is a lot more to share! The mission continues:

To share positivity with people the world over, one country at a time! Let’s keep the energy going!

Thank you everyone for your continued support! Definitely a milestone! Certainly, a blessing! Surely, lots more to celebrate!
Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating the way forward! Growth and Experience!

Posted on 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,

  1. An Attitude of Gratitude
  2. Be Positive 
  3. Carry Only What You need 
  4. Do not give up
  5. Enjoy each moment
  6. Focus your energy on what needs to be done
  7. Give your best always
  8. Have fun doing the things you love
  9. Isolate yourself from toxic people
  10. Judge no one- instead practice self-reflection and analysis
  11. Kindly treat people the way you want to be treated
  12. Live life everyday as if it is your last
  13. Make it your duty not to harm any human or animal
  14. Notice changes all around you- it’s inevitable
  15. Overcoming your obstacles is not out of your reach
  16. Placing yourself in harm’s way is never advised
  17. Quitting is not an option so quit quitting
  18. Realize this journey is yours and not anyone else’s
  19. Search deep within and find what you need
  20. Trust that everything will fall in place
  21. Understand that lots of people where masks and not all smiles are real
  22. Value those who are true to you
  23. Worrying about tomorrow doesn’t help.
  24. Xanadu is the Utopia you create for yourself. 
  25. Yesterday is gone! Learn from it, don’t dwell on it!
  26. 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!

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

Celebrating World Wildlife Day!

Posted on 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.

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

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

Posted on 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:
 
 
 
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!
 
 
Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating New Year 2023!

Posted on 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!):

  1. Always be true to yourself!
  2. Be your best friend and not your worst enemy.
  3. Celebrate you, where you are and where you are going!
  4. Do not let people and situations destroy you!
  5. Erase negative qualities!
  6. Find a positive out of every negative.
  7. Give yourself the best chance possible!
  8. Have faith in yourself and do not underestimate your worth.
  9. Invest in self-care! Invest in you!
  10. Journeys vary for everyone- yours is different with others!
  11. Keep your focus!
  12. Love yourself!
  13. Make every moment count.
  14. Never give up.
  15. Open your eyes to reality and accept it for what it is.
  16. Passionately pursue your dream(s)!
  17. Question what you need to but only to find answers that will help you!
  18. Remember silence is golden.
  19. Show the people you love that you love them- don’t just say it!
  20. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
  21. Use the scissors of life!
  22. Vision Boards help so create your own! Place it where you can see it every day!
  23. Wasting time is not an option! Every moment is precious!
  24. X-factor applies to everyone, so, what makes you unique?
  25. You are stronger than you realize and your strength comes from within just like your peace of mind.
  26. 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!