Category: Love and Blessings

Posted in Being Prayerful, Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Family Moments, Love and Blessings

Celebrating New Year’s Day 2026: Grounded, Grateful, and Guided

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Trust me when I say that New Year’s Day unfolded just the way my spirit needed it to—slow, intentional, and filled with meaning. No rush. No pressure. Just calm vibes, gratitude, and a deep sense of alignment with what truly matters.

Being the person that I am, I rushed through Old Year’s Day sorting some overdue pending stuff but before the kids went to sleep I told them this, “This is your last hug for 2025. When you get up it’s going to be 2026 and you will be showered with more love, hugs and kisses.” So said, so done!

New Year’s  day began with a group family call, and in that moment, I was reminded that distance never diminishes love. Hearing familiar voices, sharing laughs, and exchanging blessings instantly warmed my heart. It felt like the perfect way to welcome a new year—connected, supported, and surrounded by love.

Spending quality time with family was the heartbeat of the day. Watching their excitement, listening to their thoughts, witnessing their enthusiasm and the entire opposite, sharing simple conversations, and just being present reminded me that these moments are the real treasures. No elaborate plans were needed—just time, attention, and love. Their joy grounded me and reinforced why I strive to build a life rooted in purpose and balance.

One of the most sacred moments of the day was our visit to Lord Hanuman. There was a powerful stillness in that space—one that calms the mind and strengthens the spirit. Spending time by Lord Hanuman, visiting the temple, all of it was deeply symbolic. Each step was filled with quiet prayer. For me it is letting go of what I need to, giving thanks for lessons learned, and welcoming the strength, discipline, and devotion needed for the year ahead. Collectively it brings clarity, humility, and peace—exactly what I need to carry into this new chapter. We were also able to meet Datta devotees who are like family members to us, and this too is a great blessing!

There was also a gentle satisfaction in having New Year’s Day responsibilities sorted early. Most times I am rushing but this time I wasn’t. Clearing small tasks felt like clearing mental space. Truth be told, I started sorting on Boxing Day. It allowed the rest of the day to flow effortlessly with me doing things I needed to and me being me.

The warmth of the day extended beyond our home through lovely neighbours who are simply the best—kind exchanges, genuine smiles, and that reassuring reminder that goodness lives in everyday interactions. These moments may seem small, but they are powerful, they are meaningful, they uplift us and connect us.

As the day settled, my thoughts turned inward to intentions for a better year. Not louder goals or unrealistic resolutions, but quieter promises to myself. I choose peace, to protect my energy, remain focused and driven, be more present, and continue growing with grace. It promises to be year of conscious living, honest effort, and meaningful moments.

New Year’s Day didn’t demand anything from me, but it aligned me. With family, good neighbours, friends, faith, simplicity, and love leading the way. It is the most authentic start I could ask for.

Here’s to moving forward with calm vibes, a grateful heart, and steady faith. Here’s to celebrating existence one intentional day at a time.

From me to you, I wish you health, happiness, and an abundance of blessings in the year ahead. May you be surrounded by positivity, light and good vibes all the way!

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings, Spiritual Reflections

Celebrating 2025: Carpe Diem, Que Sera Sera, Semper Fi

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

2025 was not a year I simply passed through—it was a year that refined me. A year of lessons (some very harsh ones), new beginnings, and quiet awakenings that required continued honesty, courage, and faith. It challenged my resilience and reshaped my perspective, reminding me that growth is rarely loud—but always intentional.

This was the year I truly learned the power of carpe diem—seizing the moment by showing up. Not perfectly. Not fearlessly. But consistently. I learned that progress is built in the daily effort, the small decisions, and the willingness to keep going even when motivation fades. Consistency matters, and 2025 proved that steady steps often carry more power than dramatic moves.

At the same time, I embraced the wisdom of que sera sera—understanding that not everything is mine to control. I learned to release expectations and trust the unfolding. There is peace in acceptance, and strength in knowing when to let go and when to stand firm.

@rachaelathomasj

#onthisday #rachaelathomasj #celebratingexistence #fyp #lovelife

♬ Moments We Live For – In Paradise

One of the most transformative lessons of the year was learning to see things for what they are—not what I hoped they would be, not what I tried to make them, but what they truly were. That clarity brought freedom. It allowed me to stop over-explaining, stop forcing alignment, and start responding with wisdom instead of emotion.

Moving forward required deep faith—faith in the process, faith in divine timing, and faith in myself. It required resilience of the quiet kind—the kind that wakes up every day, shows up again, and chooses growth even when the road feels heavy.

@rachaelathomasj

#onthisday #vocênasceuparamudar #rachaelathomasj #celebratingexistence #fyp

♬ Vibes – ZHRMusic

2025 demanded bold decisions. Decisions that were not always understood, but were necessary. I chose boundaries over burnout, truth over comfort, and peace over people-pleasing. In doing so, I learned what semper fi truly means—being faithful to my values, loyal to my purpose, and committed to the person I am becoming.

This was also the year I fully embraced investing in me. My healing. My growth. My future. Self-investment became an act of strength, not guilt. And through it all, I rose—again and again—like the phoenix, not untouched by the fire, but strengthened by it.

As I celebrate 2025, I do so with gratitude—not because it was easy, but because it was necessary. It taught me that showing up consistently changes everything, clarity brings peace, and faith carries you further than fear ever could.

I remain deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and unwavering support of my family and friends, for my children who inspire me daily to be strong and intentional, and for the mentors and quiet supporters who believed in me—sometimes even before I fully believed in myself. Their faith, encouragement, and presence, whether spoken or silent, reminded me that I was never walking this journey alone. In moments of doubt and rebuilding, their trust in me became strength, their prayers became covering, and their support became the fuel that helped me keep showing up, stay faithful, and continue moving forward with clarity and courage.

I step forward grounded, resilient, and clear—guided by the principles that carried me through:

Carpe Diem.
Que Sera Sera.
Semper Fi.

Here’s to continuing the journey—steady, faithful, and always celebrating existence

Posted in Being Prayerful, Family Moments, Festivals and Celebrations, Love and Blessings, Spiritual Reflections, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Sri Swamiji's Teachings

Guided by Light: A Deepavali Blessed by Sri Swamiji

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Deepavali is and has always been a very special occasion for us — a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate light in all its forms. But this Deepavali 2025 was different. Like other days filled with blessings, this for us brought an abundance of blessings, quiet joy, and those sacred, unexpected moments that only divine grace can arrange.

We knew from the start it would be a simple celebration this year. With both our schedules and Shiva coming home from work on Deepavali morning, the plan was to make the most of our day. Our kids filled the day with warm excitement. After their Deepavali program at school last Thursday, they had been counting down the days, and their enthusiasm was evident in their joy.

Their excitement wasn’t the loud, restless kind — it was that special kind of energy that fills every corner of the home. They were bubbling with happiness, talking about lights.

Lunch was simple — not the full traditional spread this time, but what we felt like having. For me, it turned out to be a gluten-free, slightly odd fusion of flavors, but it felt just right for the day. The food, the laughter, the calm — everything flowed naturally. The afternoon stayed quiet too, with the kids happily drawing and coloring, their little creations adding color to the calm rhythm of the day.

As the sun began to set, we offered our prayers and lit some deyas, watching their soft glow spread through our home. The warm light felt symbolic — a reminder that Deepavali is about is about the quiet strength of light overcoming darkness, both around and within us.

Later that evening, Shiva and I decided to take the kids for a drive to see the Deepavali lights. It was meant to be a short outing, just to let them enjoy the sparkle of the night. But, as it often happens when the Divine guides your steps, we were led somewhere far more meaningful and we were where we were meant to be.

Our drive ended at Sri Datta Yoga Center, Carapichaima, by Lord Hanuman, in time for the evening aarti and everything that followed. The moment we arrived, everything felt perfectly aligned.

In my heart, I know that Sri Swamiji Himself had guided us there — turning an ordinary family drive into an extraordinary spiritual experience. He knew I miss home and He gave me the place I always refer to as home, by the feet of Lord Hanuman. The atmosphere was serene, sacred, and filled with a light that went far beyond the flicker of lamps. It was the light of Sri Swamiji’s blessings, of peace and inner renewal. Meeting Datta family at DYC is always a blessing and meeting Sadhna there was exactly that. The kids were immediately drawn to the sight of her lighting deyas so you could imagine their excitement when they got the opportunity to help. We were able to witness the initial lights, witness evening Aarti and then join in helping with the lighting of deyas around Lord Hanuman. When Punditji (Pundit Durga Prasad Sharma) finished Aarti he joined and Shiva and the kids too, while I helped with sorting the deyas. A visitor who stopped by also did the same. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the final result was an amalgamation of lights.

Watching the deyas shimmer was in every sense a humble, heartfelt Deepavali offering, filled with love, gratitude, and faith. The temple glowed with divine radiance, the air filled with the soft hum of devotion and the light of deyas. If Sadhna was not there lighting deyas, we would not have known the aarti was pending. If Sadhna was not there lighting deyas we may not have stayed for as long as we did.

Standing there, surrounded by divine energy, I realized how perfectly the day had unfolded. We began with simplicity — no big plans, no extravagance — and ended in sanctity. What started as just wanting to show the kids the lights had turned into a night of divine connection and deep inner peace.

It was the perfect evening for us with Sri Swamiji (Sri Datta Nada Prabhu) turning our quiet family day into a spiritual journey. As Punditji (Pundit Durga Prasad Sharma) pointed out lighting 365 lamps in the presence of Lord Hanuman on Deepawali is an immense blessing and we were fortunate to be a part of this. As the Facebook post states, “Each flame representing every day of the 365 days of this year symbolizes power, purity, and the cosmic alignment that connects our home with the divine power of wealth, positivity, and protection.”

Screenshot from Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre Trinidad and Tobago’s Facebook page where the significance of the lighting of the 365 deeyas is explained.

Deepavali 2025 reminded me that blessings can come quietly, wrapped in peace, family, and divine timing. Sri Swamiji always guides and everything unfolded as a present beautifully unwrapped. With Him, everything is extra special because it is guided by His Holy Hands.

 May this Deepavali and every day ahead be filled with peace, joy, and the boundless grace of Sri Swamiji. 🪔

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

Embracing Humanity: The Beauty and Struggles of Being Human

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, you have read the title correctly, but can you recall words that stay with you? A wise soul once urged me to be careful. The exact words stay with me each day and guide me. I interpreted it as not living with regret, being my best friend, being responsible rather than reckless.

What does it mean to be human?

Being human is a gift worth celebrating. We are blessed with the ability to feel deeply, to create, to love, to dream, and to connect with one another. But being human also means facing challenges, misunderstandings, and sometimes the pain of not being treated as we deserve. It is in those moments that we are reminded of both the beauty and the complexity of the human experience.

Reality

Not everyone will treat us with kindness, fairness, or respect. Sometimes, this happens because people are struggling within themselves—they may be carrying burdens we cannot see, acting from hurt, insecurity, or fear. At other times, it may be because their values differ from ours or because they have not yet learned how to love or respect others.

While it can be painful, understanding this truth allows us to respond with wisdom rather than bitterness. I have learnt not to let it prevent me from being me and to focus on always being a better me.

Coping

Celebrating being human means embracing both the joys and the struggles. It means realizing that while we cannot control how others behave, we can choose how we respond. We can rise above negativity by holding on to kindness, standing firm in our worth, and not letting someone else’s actions define our self-value. It may not always be easy but remember, it’s also not impossible.

Tough choices

And sometimes, the healthiest response is distance. Choosing to step back from people who consistently hurt, belittle, or drain us is not wrong—it is self-respect. Protecting our peace does not mean we love less, it means we love ourselves enough to set boundaries. We can still wish others well, pray for them, and forgive them, but we don’t have to keep them close if their presence keeps us from growing or steals our joy.

Reflection

At the same time, being human also calls us to reflect on how we treat others. I believe in treating others as we would like to be treated. Are we living by the same respect, patience, and compassion we hope to receive? Are we being the example of love that we wish to see in the world? When we celebrate our humanity, we are not just grateful for our strengths—we are also humble about our flaws and committed to growth.

The truth is, every person we meet is on their own journey of learning. Some will bless us with love and encouragement. Others will test us with their actions and attitudes. Both are teachers. The ones who love us show us joy, and the ones who hurt us show us strength.

To celebrate being human is to embrace it all—the highs, the lows, the lessons, and the blessings. And when we understand why people don’t always treat us the way we deserve, we can choose not to let it break us, but instead allow it to shape us into more compassionate, resilient, and loving souls—while also remembering that it’s okay to walk away when necessary.

What can you do? Allow me to summarize what you can do on a daily basis, taking it step by step and bit by bit:

  • Focus on your self-care
  • Be your best friend
  • Find positives out of every negative
  • Keep your faith
  • Celebrate your milestones!
  • Be patient
  • Do not procrastinate
  • Be rooted in resilience

The question at the end of it all is, can you implement these suggestions? Also, what does embracing humanity mean to you? Please take the time to let me know and also take the time to share your suggestions!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings

When Helping Hurts: Staying True to Yourself Despite Misunderstandings

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Life has a way of testing the sincerity of our intentions. There are moments when you step forward to help, to comfort, to guide—and instead of gratitude or understanding, you meet suspicion, judgment, or even hurtful words. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Each time, I wonder: Why is it that when you try to do good, it’s sometimes met with anything but kindness in return?

Helping people is never just about actions—it’s about heart. I’ve always believed that if you have the ability to make someone’s burden lighter, even in a small way, you should. Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing advice, or simply being present, the goal has always been to leave a person better than I found them. But along the way, I’ve learned a hard truth: your good intentions won’t always be seen the way you hope.

Being misunderstood can cut deep. It’s not just the act of being wrongly judged—it’s the ache of knowing that your sincerity was overlooked. At times, I’ve walked away feeling like I should stop caring so much, stop trying so hard. But then I remember—my actions speak of who I am, not of what others choose to believe about me.

The truth is, you can’t control how people receive your help. Some will accept it and cherish it. Others might question your motives. And a few may even turn your kindness into a weapon against you. That’s the risk of living with an open heart. But it’s also the beauty of it—you keep planting seeds, even if you don’t always see them grow.

So what should you do when helping hurts—especially when people can’t accept your pure heart?

  1. Stand firm in your truth. You know your intentions. Don’t let someone else’s opinion rewrite your story.
  2. Release the need for approval. Kindness given with strings attached isn’t pure kindness. Give freely, and let go of how it’s received.
  3. Set healthy boundaries. Being kind doesn’t mean allowing others to repeatedly hurt you. Distance is not unkindness—it’s self-respect.
  4. Choose your battles wisely. Not every misunderstanding needs defending. Sometimes silence speaks louder than explanations.
  5. Stay soft, but be strong. Don’t let bitterness take root. Protect your heart without closing it off completely.

I’ve realized that being misunderstood doesn’t make me wrong. It makes me human. And as long as I’m acting from a place of love and integrity, I can live with that. I’d rather risk being hurt than live a life closed off to compassion.

In the end, kindness is a long game. Even if the world doesn’t always respond the way we expect, the quiet satisfaction of knowing you tried—really tried—is its own reward. And sometimes, the ones who misunderstood you today may look back tomorrow and realize just how genuine you were all along.

Posted in Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings

🎓 Celebrating Preschool Graduation – Tiny Caps, Big Dreams: The Journey Has Started, and This Is Just the Beginning 🌟

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Today, I sat in the audience with a heart full of emotion and pride as my little one took the stage in a tiny cap and gown. The moment felt surreal—a mix of joy, nostalgia, and amazement. We were there to celebrate a milestone that marks so much more than the end of preschool. We were celebrating growth, courage, friendship, and the beautiful beginning of a lifelong journey.

The excitement in the room was contagious. Bright eyes sparkled with anticipation, and little hands waved to proud parents and teachers. There were giggles, hugs, and the occasional shy glance—but most of all, there was joy. Pure, radiant joy.

Watching the children perform their songs, recite their lines, and walk proudly to collect their certificates was truly heartwarming. Each of them has come such a long way—from learning to share and follow routines to recognizing letters, numbers, and the magic of their own creativity. They’ve blossomed before our eyes.

What made this celebration even more touching was the way the children celebrated each other. The friendships they’ve built are real and sweet—rooted in playtime, shared snacks, teamwork, and the occasional tumble followed by a helping hand. They’ve learned not just the ABCs, but the foundations of kindness, empathy, and cooperation.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication and love of their teachers (teachers Ms Dana and Ms. Saraswati, school coordinator Ms Teeluck, assistants Ms Goorah and Ms Howard, support staff Ms Laura) These amazing educators have given more than lessons—they’ve given their hearts. They’ve created safe, joyful spaces where our children have been able to explore, ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. For every carefully prepared craft, patient explanation, and comforting hug—thank you. You’ve left a lasting imprint on our little ones’ lives.

As I watched my child smile from ear to ear, it struck me: this is just the beginning. The first step on a long, exciting road filled with learning, laughter, discovery, and dreams waiting to be fulfilled.

So today, we celebrate more than graduation. We celebrate tiny caps and big dreams. We celebrate the first chapter of a lifelong journey. And most of all, we celebrate the light in each child’s eyes—a light that reminds us all that the future is bright, and it starts right here.

Congratulations to our little graduates!
The journey has started… and this is just the beginning. 💛🌈📚

#TinyCapsBigDreams #PreschoolGraduation #JustTheBeginning #ProudParentMoment #TheJourneyStartsHere #LittleHeartsBigSteps

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Love and Blessings, Love You Daddy

Honouring My Dad Today and Always- A Father’s Day Tribute my Dad

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Father’s Day carries a different weight in my heart since 2018 — the year I said goodbye to my beloved dad, Ramchit Ramesh Thomas. Though the years have passed, the ache of missing him never truly fades. But neither does the love. Neither does the legacy.

Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled that my kids were able to create memorable moments with their Dad, doing their fun creations and seeing them all excited but this Father’s Day, I find myself reflecting on Daddy a lot. It is not just about the man he was, but on the quiet, enduring power of the life he lived — and the strength he showed, especially during his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). That journey was painful to witness, but in the midst of it, Daddy remained kind, brave, and deeply loving — right to the end.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Daddy loved life, he valued comradry, he seized any opportunity to help because this was his very nature and he always gave his best. He taught us never to give up and he took care of everyone around him. He was genuine, straightforward and full of life. His life was one of service and dedication and he always taught us how to be good and do good.

He and Mummy were always a team and they are the best parents we could ask for. They taught us how to pray, how to care, how to be genuine and to treat others as we would like to be treated because this is the way Daddy lived and the way Mummy continues to live. Daddy was not just the president of the Coromandel Shiv Mandir or the man who worked Petrotrin for the majority of his life, but he was well loved and respected by all who knew him because of how he lived, and this defined who he was.

Photo credit: Pinterest

In 2018, I wrote a post titled In Loving Memory of My Dad, Ramchit Ramesh Thomas (read it here). It was my way of beginning to process the unimaginable — learning to live without him while holding onto everything he left behind in spirit: his values, his faith, his quiet humour, his deep sense of responsibility.

Today, I continue that tribute by dedicating my first play, Shattered Dreams and Silver Linings, to his memory. This play has been staged once and it was in the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre in Bridgetown, Barbados. It is a story shaped by reality and awareness — by brokenness and hope, echoing that life can change in a split second by a few words that explain months of symptoms that go unexplained. In many ways, it is our story. The journey of loss, yes — but also of grace, love, and the ability to rise. The idea for this play came from a combination of several things- personal experience, an understanding of a lack of awareness when it comes to dealing with challenging medical conditions and a desire to help others plan ahead for difficult situations. 

Though he never got to see this chapter of my life unfold, he was aware of the publication of Eternal Inspiration which I dedicated to him and Mummy. I know his presence is always with me. My dad was never one for loud declarations, but his presence was powerful — gentle yet grounding. That same quiet strength is what carries me today.

So, this Father’s Day, I honour him not only with memories, but with purpose. I honour him by continuing to live a life he would be proud of. I honour him by telling stories that matter — because he mattered.

He is loved, missed, and remembered always.

His story lives on in ours.

Read the original tribute from 2018 here
And my Father’s Day reflection post here

Posted in Education, Learning Opportunity, Life, Love and Blessings, Trinidad and Tobago, You Tube

Celebrating Values in Education

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

As a mom who has been an educator for the past 20 years (yes, I began teaching at a very young age) and who has been enjoying the world of Communications and PR for the last 12 years, I’ve always believed that education is about more than just test scores and textbooks. My students and parents I have worked with over the years can attest to this!

Photo Credit: Sri Sathya Sai Global Council (Sri Lanka)

It’s about shaping character, nurturing kindness, and teaching our children to be good people. That’s why I feel incredibly grateful that my 6-year-old is attending a school that doesn’t just focus on academics but also on values—honesty, respect, perseverance, and compassion.

This being said, today I am celebrating values in education! Yes, you’ve read it right! Why? It’s because I love celebrating positivity and highlighting it as best as I can.

As such, this post is about values in education and it all comes from looking at my daughter’s educational journey. I know it has only just begun but those who know me would fully understand why!  Like any other parent, I want the best for my kids and Longdenville Sathya Sai Primary School has been a pleasant surprise from day 1.

Photo Credit: SSEHV- ISSEA

So, what are these values about? For those who don’t know what values in education are about, they are peace, non-violence, love, truth and right-action. These translate to mean Shanti, Ahimsa, Prema, Sathya and Dharma respectively and they are the five pillars which form Sathya Sai Baba’s Education in Human Values program.

Every day, I see the impact of this approach, not just in homework assignments, but in the little things many would take for granted. These moments remind me that education is so much more than memorizing facts; it’s about shaping the kind of person my child will become.

Being able to see first-hand how the values come together is really a truly rewarding experience. How? Let me tell you!

Imagine a place where values are reflected in actions. Imagine studying it like any other subject but living it in every sense! That’s what it is about and it doesn’t deviate from it.

Education in Human Values (EHV) is timetabled! Every theme for every event incorporates it and parents are not left out. Why? How? Parents get to have a very hands on approach to their kids learning. Let’s call it, ‘accepting responsibility’ because essentially that’s what it is. I am really happy that I opted to share some of the cool assignments with the world over time (yes, I did) and I am happy to share them here with you!

Just click on these links and see for yourself! It’s ‘My Community’ using recyclable material, a Christmas hat, a decoration for the tree (where each student had something to add to the tree), a madhatter design using stuff at home and an “Anything but a bag project”.  Please, click on the links so you can see for yourself exactly why I am excited about each of these projects:

https://www.clickasnap.com/image/4823032/school-project-using-recyclable-material

https://www.clickasnap.com/image/4224397/christmas-hat

https://www.clickasnap.com/image/3999159/christmas-decoration

https://www.clickasnap.com/image/3999179/madhatter-design

https://www.clickasnap.com/image/4224395/anything-but-a-bag-project

This is just one part of it. Let me share some others:

  • I love that the school community is a close knit community.
  • I love the way the kids look out for each other.
  • There is no discrimination against religion or ethnicity.
  • Their school life embodies teamwork and from greeting each other in the morning to taking responsibility for their own actions, the kids are learning that respect isn’t just about being polite—it’s about valuing others and the community they are part of.
  • The kids are being taught yoga.
  • The kids are learning about healthy living and eating in a very real sense.
Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/376121006386936844/

There are many other reasons why this school stands out and I promise there is another post to follow!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Blessings from Appaji, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Time: Happy New Year 2025!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone, Happy New Year and all the best to you and your loved ones in 2025!

As many of you know, I always say that I am eternally blessed, and I am forever grateful because I mean it! Recently, I have added moving forward with faith so it’s now: Eternally grateful, forever blessed and moving forward with faith.

Looking back at the past year, I am grateful for not giving up! I am grateful for my persistence, resilience, the love and support of those in my circle, opportunities to create memorable moments and blessings from the Divine Master.

I am not saying that it wasn’t a year with challenges, but I am not dwelling on them. It was a year of valuable learning, experiences and growth. While I didn’t run from challenges, I have learnt the value of taking the time to put things into context, get clarity and take it bit by bit and step by step, one moment at a time.

What are some of my wins?

  1. Being able to spread positivity, one person at a time. This blog, Celebrating Existence, is now in 143 countries, it is being viewed daily, and it has 26k viewers.
  2. On TikTok I have been sharing positive messages via rachaelathomasj and I have generally been consistent.
  3. My YouTube channel continues to grow.
  4. Additions to my Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago were made.
  5. I completed the script for a play entitled Shattered Dreams and Silver Linings which is due to be staged in Barbados this year. The play itself is based on a storyline very close to my heart and seeks to bring awareness and a need for persons to look out for each other. It focuses echoes so many things, primarily that things can change in a split second, not everything can be fixed and brings together a focus on health, family, personal struggles just to name a few, reminding us of two things I always say- no one can fit in your shoes the way you do and tomorrow is promised to no one.
  6. Being able to deal with some tough situations, knowing that I did the right thing, so even I can say, I did it my way!
  7. Being saved from a catastrophic situation where one job opportunity could have placed my family in harm’s way. Thankfully the Divine Master protected us and took care of us as always.

This being said, I wish each and every one of you and your beautiful families a joyful, peaceful, and love-filled New Year! May this coming year bring gentle moments, shared laughter, healing, new beginnings, and the kind of happiness that lingers in your heart. May your homes be filled with warmth, your days with purpose, and your lives with blessings beyond measure. Here’s to new memories, stronger bonds, and all the magic this fresh chapter holds—Happy New Year!

@rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year 2025! #newyearsday #happynewyear #rachaelathomasj #celebratingexistence #2025 #today #motivation #inspiration #fyp #faith #blessed #you

♬ original sound – rachaelathomasj
@rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year 2025 #happynewyear #goodvibes #positivity #rachaelathomasj #celebratingexistence #newyearsday #2025 #lovelife #fyp #today #blessed #you

♬ 2025 Happy New year – Alexander Shangoi Syiem
Posted in Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Pujya Appaji!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

In this post I am celebrating His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, our dearest Pujya Appaji! Appaji is like no other and those who know His Holiness can surely agree that He has never been! Appaji, over and over again, I place my most humble prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!

Not one day in my life have I ever questioned Appaji or His greatness and Appaji knows I never would. My journey with Appaji began years ago as a little girl seeing His name and trying to say it and practicing it syllable by syllable without knowing Sachchidanda means ‘truth, consciousness and bliss”. To see Pujya Appaji’s smiling face is always a comfort.  To hear His voice, read His messages, go through the different platforms He exposes us to daily is only just a fraction of the many blessings we receive on a daily basis!

From the very first day I saw Pujya Appaji, His priceless smile and His eyes said it all! Every day of our lives with Pujya Appaji has been a blessing and no number of words can adequately say Thank You to His Holiness for all He has done for us and continues to do for us! As I am writing this, I am listening to Appaji’s bhajans, and His voice is my comfort.

Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

When I posted on Facebook a few days ago it felt like I was looking on at a dream and as these past two weeks have unfolded Appaji and Lord Hanuman showed that together They have provided protection and guidance consistently as always.

 Indeed, I had a career opportunity that I was working towards for over the last eight years. When it came it felt surreal. I had forgotten about it for a bit because of how long I had applied but I was honored to be selected. I spoke to Shiva and let him know I needed the kids and him with me as I couldn’t be away from them for over a month and leave them alone so he knew what my thoughts were and though I followed the instructions I was given, I spoke mentally to Appaji saying, “Whatever You decide I will follow!” The reality was that I just needed to make an effort to show interest and I did, but nothing else was in my hands and with good reason! This job would have placed my entire family in jeopardy because as I said, I would have been on an island waiting with Shiva and our little ones for Hurricane Beryl to hit. Seeing the damage it wreaked on so many people in so many countries, knowing how many people it affected, I know what we were spared from.

My reality is this:

  1. Pujya Appaji and Lord Hanumanta have saved me several times and I will always be eternally grateful for this.
  2. Pujya Appaji has taught me the value of silence on so many levels.
  3. Pujya Appaji has taught me why I need to focus.
  4. Pujya Appaji has given me many avenues to be good and do good.

Like me, many of you can attest to the fact that:

5. Pujya Appaji blesses us each day abundantly and no number of words can adequately say Thank You because we owe Pujya Appaji a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

6. Pujya Appaji has found so many avenues to interact with us on a daily basis that He reminds us He is always with us. We have Pujya Appaji’s social media platforms, SGS Posts and all other apps, YouTube, the Ashramas and Datta Yoga Centers globally, Kriya Yoga, Bhagavad Gita, Kavachas, daily live sessions, Dattavani speeches and Bhajans just to name a few.

7. Pujya Appaji has established several Bala Datta Centers to ensure that our children are taken care of.

8. Pujya Appaji has authorized the publishing of so many books available in print and as e-books on sites like Amazon.

9. Pujya Appaji has given us Ragas and provided us with Healing Music.

10. Pujya Appaji has and continues to tell us and show us day after day, how to take better care of ourselves.

11. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to helping us take better care of ourselves.

12. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to serving mankind.

13. Pujya Appaji has and continues to teach us how to take better care of our environment, and by extension, this world we live in.

14. Pujya Appaji’s actions have always been selfless.

15. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to helping people the world over!

16. Pujya Appaji always urges us to live together.

17. Pujya Appaji does not discriminate.

18. Pujya Appaji is the purest representation of Divinity, Selflessness and all that is good.

19. Pujya Appaji leads by example.

20. Pujya Appaji’s commitment, dedication and love have been unwavering.

21. Pujya Appaji loves us all and that love speaks volumes.

Appaji, we pray for Your Health and will continue to do so! We thank You immensely for all You have done for us and continue to do for us, every second of every day! We love You Appaji!