According to Dictionary.com respect is defined as:
to hold in esteem or honor
to show regard or consideration
to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with, as in privacy.
I believe you know what respect is and I am happy you are reading it because I wanted you to read something you can share with others, be it at home or at school or via email or mail or any of the other available possibilities open to you.
Have a look at this:
Respect involves the acceptance of the views, beliefs and feelings of others. It comes from treating others as you would like to be treated and it is something I firmly believe in whether it’s between strangers, between bosses and their employees, among colleagues, acquaintances, friendships, marriages, sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, grandparent-grandchildren relationships or any of the other family relationships we know of.
In so many ways we are seeing how respect is being lost. This video however reminds us “OLD SCHOOL” respect that we have heard about so many times. Respect is a universal topic. Listen to what is being said and see how applicable it is:
In addition to this respect is also needed for nature-plants and animals. Have a look at this:
Here are some things it does not hurt to be reminded of:
Treat others in the same manner as you would want to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Change only to become a better you.
Never compromise your values!
Try your best to live without regrets!
Doing something wrong can never make it right!
Value the relationships you build and the people in your lives.
Be true to yourself!
Respect is a 2 way street- it must be given before it is earned.
In the same way that you must love yourself before you can love others, self-respect comes before respecting others.
Respect and trust are key elements in a friendship and we can all agree that when either is lost, it may be regained to some extent but, more often than not things will never be the same. Most relationships begin with friendship and whether it is any of the relationships described above it involves friendship.
Take note of how Bruno Mars describes friendship in this video:
Hopefully you were singing along with Bruno Mars and hopefully you enjoyed the other videos too. The video is based on friendship but the respect these kids have for each other is so evident!
I was thinking of something local and my dear friend Regina Cozier mentioned this. Thank you Regina! Have a look at this too as it reinforces everything said and brings it across musically. Like everything else there is a lesson in it especially as it can help with values that are being lost in society. Great job 3Canal!
Thank you for taking the time to read this everyone! Hasta la vista!
This post is dedicated to Celebrating 2015 and surviving it. What a year it most certainly has been and our comfort lies in know that our loved ones who have been ailing for some time and suffering are no longer enduring such a fate.
2015 was a year unlike any other. So much happened and this is probably one of the ways to describe it:
As I said to so many I spoke to in the past couple days, when 2015 began, we did not expect so much of what happened or for it to turn out the way it did. Our comfort lies in knowing that that our loved ones who have been ailing for some time and suffering are no longer enduring such a fate. We survived the year and all that it brought us, and we are stronger because we saw the year through in spite of what it presented us with.
Like everyone else experienced, the year was filled with prayer, laughter, smiles, tears, courage, faith, hope, gratitude, sadness and pain. Some were experienced more than others as expected. Whatever it brought we got through it both as a family and for our respective selves, rallying for each other along the way.
Apart from these experiences I can look at a few things in 2015 about me:
I am more confident about cooking. I not only cook more but I have more confidence about what I cook. Baking is also something I am better at. In 2016 I will be able to add to my list of things I bake and things I cook.
I have become better at clearing away clutter. Sometimes it’s just too much procrastination and needing to have the right mindset but it usually becomes easier once I get started.
I continue to establish myself as a writer and a blogger. This blog is my proof! 30 new posts were published in 2015. The busiest day of the year was March 25th 2015 which received 45 views. The most popular post on that day was the post dedicated to my grandpa, the late Mr Ramlal Dookie. Its title is Celebrating the life of my grandfather, the late Mr Ramlal Dookie!
I graduated with the Associate Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from COSTAATT’s Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies.
With great company-that’s Shiva- I have been able to appreciate music and movies more. In saying this I refer specifically to the fact that he is a big fan of “The Voice“. I understand music more as well as the lyrical content. Also we appreciated not just the great acting and plot of “Bridge of Spies” and “Everest“, but also the fact that they were based on true events.
I realized that I am good at transcribing. I began transcribing in COMM 120 class – Critical Reading and Writing Skills for Journalism and Communication Majors- with Ms Michelle Mitchell. Outside of the class setting I have been able to do some professional transcription.
Ask yourself, in spite of how tough the year was, what did it teach you? Give yourself the credit you deserve because I am sure there is something from 2015 that makes you a better you! What is it?
Here are the trailers to “Bridge of Spies” and “Everest“:
Take life’s challenges one by one. Don’t give up! Always believe you can!
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,400 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 23 trips to carry that many people.
Music is my solace and it’s a sign I’m relaxed. Hearing me singing and enjoying music is something not many may have witnessed but it’s something Shiva has witnessed on so many occasions. I’ve never gotten around to taping it for those who might find it hard to believe, but the truth is, at that moment you’re thoroughly enjoying the moment.
There is so much truth in these statements:
Bob Marley -“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Friedrich Nietzsche- “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
Victor Hugo- “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
We don’t feel pain when we are really into the music do we? We don’t. Further to this, can we imagine life without music? Surely we cannot, now can we? Music is just so full of energy and rhythm. The lyrics, the beat and everything we can think about are proof that it’s soothing, through and through!
It’s pure therapy for most, including me. It relaxes and it’s healing also. Here is an example:
Can you think of the effect soca, calypso and parang have on Trinidadians and Tobagonians! It’s the perfect example especially when Carnival and Christmas come around.
Just a few weeks the Digicel Rising Stars 2015 completed. Now in Trinidad and Tobago we can all agree that is a big thing as it’s local talent and an outpouring of our local talent . The winner was Angela Didier. Here is some of what you missed:
This past week marked the Finals of The Voice Season 9. It was such a great season that was also overflowing with pure talent.
Music appeals to us in various ways. It means different things to all of us!
Now this is how I need your help everyone! I really would appreciate it! Please share your responses to these two questions:
What does music mean to you?
Which song/ songs make you laugh? Which songs make you sing along?
Hopefully you have enjoyed this but please remember I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Today I Celebrate Success: COSTAATT Graduation 2015!
Do you remember this song? This is how the ceremony started and it truly was a perfect start!
It did not dawn on me until I sat in the Regency Ballroom of the Hyatt that the theme blends in so perfectly with my blog. I know it’s been a while since I have been here but it’s been a super crazy period in these past weeks. I know the light is at the end of the tunnel. I can see it and trust me, it’s beautiful!
I’m here now and I’m celebrating! All days are special but November 22, 2015 was different. Not only does this year mark COSTAATT’s 15th Anniversary but it is also the year with the most students graduating from this dynamic institution (1,400 plus). On November 22, 2015 I joined with hundreds of other worthy COSTAATT students who graduated with their degrees. I graduated with the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communications Studies.
Every part of the ceremony was filled with excellence- COSTAATT Excellence.The decor, the positive and meaningful addresses from each of the speakers, the powerful musical interludes and serenade as well as the responses from the audience. The truth is that at COSTAATT we have so much to celebrate that some may not see or may choose not to see and it starts from the very helm with the President Dr Gillian Paul and the Board of Trustees. It is evident at all levels- the Executive Management, Administrative Staff of Main Campus and all other Campuses, the Chairs, Deans, Lecturers, and the Students.
I am sure we each left with more than we know of our esteemed college COSTAATT, our President Dr Paul, the Board of Trustees, our Lecturers and COSTAATT talent.We were delighted to have as our Keynote Speaker, Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts who served as Senior Lecturer- Chemistry at COSTAATT from 2009.
Her very powerful speech focused on the importance of the words”I AM”- As Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts said, “I AM are powerful words…I AM a transformer of lives, I AM the hope for a better country…” and indeed they need to be used wisely!
On this most memorable day too the College Song which was written and composed by Ms Glenda Charles-Harris, Department Chair-Environmental Studies (our prayers are with her and her family members for her safe return) was sung. We were privileged to be among the first to hear the College Song sung and the Staff members and Students of COSTAATT really did it justice in the true COSTAATT Spirit.
Then a few months ago while I was in the process of compiling a Media Contact list for my internship I approached someone in the Industry and when I identified myself as a COSTAATT Student, I was asked in a tone I did not appreciate, I was asked, “Why didn’t you go to UWI like my son, instead of COSTAATT?”
I smiled and I responded. I told her, “I have always been happy to be a student of COSTAATT. We work hard for our grades and it is because of what I have been learning at COSTAATT that I have been able to establish myself as a writer working for clients internationally. It is also why I have been able to get the experience I have acquired.” This experience includes Press Release Writing, Content Writing, Article Writing, Blog Writing and “About Us” pieces for websites.
Years ago when I knew that a career switch would be in the making I started calling around to find out about Degree Options which would complement the BA English I earned from the University of London. I did not know much about COSTAATT at that time (some years ago) and thankfully the institution that told me I should go to COSTAATT, and then apply to them set me on a journey I would not deviate from. They did not realize they led me on a different path of realization and discovery I would see through to the very end, confident in my choice. At COSTAATT I feel at home and I know my decision has been the right one.
I remember my entrance into COSTAATT and it started with Gabrielle Alfonso in COSTAATT’s Admissions Department. She was the first person I spoke to at COSTAATT regarding starting my BA Mass Communication Studies there. From there on it was a journey I have never regretted being on!
Here are some pics from Graduation Day:
Students from South Campus-all students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies- ( Class of 2015 BA Mass Communication; AAS Journalism & PR): Earl Edmund, Alette Williams. Marissa Marjadsingh, Nicholas Lutchmansingh, Wavel Fraser
From left: Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah (me), Tara Ramsingh, Anniesha Alexander (front), Earl Edmund, Misha Garcia, Nicholas Lutchmansingh, Brendon Julien; Back row: Alette Williams, Marissa Marjadsingh, Wavel Fraser, Germine Carlotta Alexander Rivas, Carla Britton-Procope,
Happy to join other Students from South Campus- all Students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies – ( Class of 2015 BA Mass Communication; AAS Journalism & PR)
We were delighted to be joined by Mrs Sophia Edwards-Knox, Department Chair -Communication Studies with Students of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies
A picture of me before the Graduation Ceremony
A picture Shiva took after the Graduation Ceremony
Here’s another picture my darling husband Shiva took after the Graduation Ceremony
A happy couple aren’t we…Shiva and me after the ceremony!
Congratulations to our Valedictorians:
Arnold Ramkaran- BSc Environmental Health
Rachelle Deonarine- AAS Environmental Health
Congratulations COSTAATT’s Class of 2015! I am a proud COSTAATT Student! Fellow Graduates another chapter in our journey has started! Let’s embrace it and let’s enjoy it!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Celebrating 2000+ Views on Celebrating Existence
Aranguez, San Juan, October 18, 2015: On October 12, 2015 Celebrating Existence recorded 2000 views from 37 countries around the world. At this very moment this figure stands at 2,022 views and in this past week it has been viewed not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but also in the United States of America, Sweden, Indonesia and Qatar!
Its one year anniversary was celebrated on September 19, 2015. At that time 1,903 views were recorded. Several posts were viewed more than others as is expected, and the content of the posts which have been viewed more are Spirituality, Life, Death, Family, Love, Childhood and Values.
The focus of Celebrating Existence is to inspire, to inform and to celebrate things which people take for granted at times. “October 12, 2015 is a historic day in the life of this blog which remains true to its initial focus and when I’m told that the post makes someone smile or inspires them, I know it is helping and I’m happy that it is!” says owner and creator Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah. She continues, “I write about things I care about and people I care about.”
Through the course of its existence many viewers have shared their thoughts. “Very sobering and thought provoking indeed, makes you cherish life even more,” was Lisa Hernandez’s response to one of the blog posts on Celebrating Existence entitled, Celebrating Existence: Looking within- What does celebrating existence mean to you?
Another comment received on the blog came from Rabindranath Dassyne and reads, “Hey blogger it’s great! Continue the great work.”
About Celebrating Existence:Celebrating Existence officially started on September 19, 2014. It began as an assignment for one of the courses listed under COSTAATT’s BA Mass Communication which is entitled Communication via Social Networking. With 49 posts to date it has been viewed in 37 countries across the world. Its inspiration was to Celebrate Existence in every sense since often times our weakness as human beings is to overlook the things we ought to be thankful for.
About Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah: Rachael Ann Thomas-Jeremiah is a BA Mass Communication student at COSTAATT’s Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies. The BA English she possesses is from the University of London. In addition to the eleven (11) years of experience she has as an English and Literature teacher, she has been a Freelance Writer since January 2013 doing Blog, Script, Content, Article writing as well as Press Release Writing and “About Us” pieces for Corporate Websites. Her experience also extends to Professional Proofreading and Editing.
Ganesh Utsav is a time many Hindus the world over look forward to! It is a period of great devotion dedicated to Lord Ganesh, or Lord Ganapati, or Lord Vinayak, or Lord Vighna Vinashak which are just some of the many names of He is called by.
In spite of my schedule for this semester with classes most nights of the week I was quite happy and grateful for the opportunity to be at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Carapichaima on the nights when I was free and to also visit the Coromandel Shiv Mandir as they both afforded me the privilege of doing devotion with family and friends.
Here are some pictures I was able to get on the day of Visarjan (24 September 2015). I am very excited to share them with you!
The Lord Ganesh Murti at Sri Dattatreya Yoga CentreThe end of Lord Ganesh Puja- before VisarjanThe Murti as it was being taken to the van!Can you see the light as it glows?Lord Surya’s Blessing is evident! Look at the Sun as it radiates in the background.Moments before departure for Visarjan at Orange Valley Bay!Quite a beautiful sight!A view of the sky taken at Orange Valley BayA view of the boats at the Orange Valley Bay!The offering of the coconuts by devotees!Devotees look at Lord Ganapati and observe the rituals being performed.Lord Ganapati as He was being taken to the boat.Isn’t this a majestic sight on the water?Isn’t this another majestic sight on the water? Indeed this and the previous one are!Mother Ganga and Mother Lakshmi!
As this post ends enjoy this video made possible by one of Swamiji’s dearest devotees, Hanuman Hoffman,
My post on my Facebook page, Celebrating Existence today!
reads, “Here’s to celebrating another day of existence and celebrating you! You made it through the day and the challenges that presented themselves. You endured, you conquered and you triumphed! Be proud! Stand tall! Celebrate You!”
Allow me to continue. Life presents us with many truths! From before we can even remember we have been dealing with truths, making decisions, dealing with realities and accepting them as they come along the way!
Some truths are the experiences we live through and when we look back we ask, “Huh, was this my life? Did I do that?” Some even ask, “Did I really go through that?” and “How did I survive it?”
Our comfort is that we endure, we conquer, we rise and we triumph by God’s Grace, our Faith in Him, regardless of how we call Him, be it Appaji, the Heavenly Father, Allah, Rama, Krishna, Shiva or any of the many other names He is called by. Through Him and His Grace we have the love of our family and friends too!
etsy.com
Along the way we learn some truths that may seem harsher than others. Here as some:
Not everyone is You or Me– Expectations from the world may lead to disappointment.
Never change who you are-don’t lose yourself and what you believe in. With that comes the fact that you should always make ‘YOU Time” (Time for You).
Some people do not care about who they step on or damage in their aim to get ahead. Let your comfort come from knowing that God does not let His children suffer.
Every experience gives us something positive. We walk away stronger. The mere fact that we walk away from it or live through it is positive.
Using the scissors of life can sometimes make the world of difference…cut off the negatives and cut off the crappy stuff.
Courtesy fumozar.com
On that note, “Here’s to celebrating another day of existence and celebrating you! You made it through the day and the challenges that presented themselves. You endured, you conquered and you triumphed! Be proud! Stand tall! Celebrate You!” As I close enjoy this:
Today I take this most humble opportunity to Celebrate Spirituality-Part 3 which focuses on His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and His Three (3) World Guinness Records that have been set in six (6) months.
I apologize for not sharing this earlier as I was unable to but I remain grateful for an opportunity to do so now. When I saw this video words can’t explain how happy I felt. In case you missed it allow me to share it as it really does speak volumes in more ways than one:
Being in the presence of His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is always a Blessing and though we wish we could have been in Dallas for the consecration of the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and all the other events we knew it was not possible.However we enjoyed everything we got via YogaSangeeta, Puttugam, Livestream, Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and all the other forms of Social Media available to us! Enjoy reading this:
These videos on YouTube from Desiplaza Dallas tell a beautiful story of the events as they unfolded. Enjoy them also!
Datta family the world over is becoming more and more connected. We were very happy to see our Trinidad Datta family well represented. Eventually Shiva and I would be able to visit DYC Ashrams outside of Trinidad. As Appaji’s next visit to Trinidad approaches us we can say with confidence that all members of the Datta Family in Trinidad are looking eagerly forward to His visit.
Congratulations Appaji! We love You Appaji! Jai Guru Datta! Sri Sachidananda Swamiji Ki Jai! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Har Har Mahadev!
Celebrating Existence 