Posted in Celebrating Existence, Life, Love and Blessings

17 Promises I Choose to Live By : Then & Now

Truth be told this is my then followed by my now.

The then was created some 10 years ago:

My personal code of ethics: Statement of Purpose:

This is a personal guide which will serve as a source of inspiration and as a reminder of things I must always be mindful of, especially when I am faced with challenges. It will help me to realise my long-term goals and mirrors my beliefs and my values.

What function is this expected to serve in my life?

This will serve as a daily reminder of what I believe in and a source of encouragement that will help me to become a better well-rounded individual who endeavours to be happy, have peace of mind, and be the best that I can be. I sincerely promise to use the ‘I will’ list below to do that.

Personal Commitments

  1. I will remember, ‘Carpe diem!’ (Seize the day!) and let it be my motto.
  2. I will continue to treat others in the very same manner that I would like to be treated.
  3. I will continue to develop myself professionally.
  4. I will try to inculcate good values and morals in those I interface with (including those under my charge).
  5. I will always be mindful that some things cannot be changed; that is, not everything is within my reach, and I must accept them for what they are… simply, ‘Don’t worry about what you cannot change’ and ‘Qué sera sera!’ (Whatever will be will be).
  6. I will always thank God for my blessings. I have faced many challenges and overcome each of them—such as not being able to hold things, write properly at times, or walk properly. To date, I have 12 O’ Levels, 4 A’ Levels, a BA in English, and my BA in Mass Communication is my second degree. I have a full-time job now. I can look back and say I’m happy with some of the things I did and encourage others to turn their challenges into successes.
  7. I will continue to give credit where credit is due… everyone deserves to be appreciated.
  8. I will continue to move ahead with realistic goals. Thankfully, both my sense of maturity and being realistic have helped me value the relationships I build.
  9. I will continue to remember that everything happens for a reason… it makes it easier to walk around with less emotional baggage and eliminates chances of dumping it on others.
  10. I will continue fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to me because shirking responsibilities means denying others their rights.
  11. I will always do my best in all that I do rather than giving up before starting or giving up in the middle of what I am doing because the end will be closer in sight.
  12. I will always look for something positive out of every negative experience, and I will use the ‘scissors of life’ to cut out negativity. Negativity breeds negativity and vice versa.
  13. I will use great care, consideration, and dedication to my values and morals to find amicable solutions to problematic situations and ethical dilemmas by always considering the consequences of my actions as it relates to all my dealings and those affected.
  14. I will focus on improving my health and try to get the required amount of rest because if I do not take care of myself, I cannot take care of anyone needing my help.
  15. I will continue to develop my spirituality and be a devotee of God.
  16. I will try to exercise good judgment at all times.
  17. I will review my personal code of ethics periodically and strive to make necessary improvements where possible.

This is my now: Living My Personal Code of Ethics

Life is about the values that guide you through both the highs and the lows. My personal code of ethics isn’t just a list I wrote once; it’s something I try to live by every day.

At the core of everything is a simple mindset: Carpe diem—seize the day. I try to make the most of every opportunity while remembering to treat others the way I would like to be treated. Respect, kindness, and fairness are not optional; they are the foundation of every meaningful interaction.

Growth is also important to me. I continue to develop myself professionally while encouraging and guiding those I interact with, especially those under my care. At the same time, I’ve learned to accept that not everything is within my control. Some things simply are what they are, and finding peace in that—embracing the idea of “what will be, will be”—has helped me tremendously.

Gratitude plays a huge role in my life. Despite the challenges I’ve faced, I remain thankful. Those experiences have shaped me, strengthened me, and allowed me to encourage others to turn their struggles into success. They remind me that resilience is built, not given.

As I move forward, I focus on being realistic, appreciating others, and valuing the relationships I build. I remind myself that everything happens for a reason, which helps me let go of unnecessary emotional weight and avoid passing negativity on to others.

Responsibility is another principle I take seriously. Fulfilling what is entrusted to me matters because failing to do so affects others. That’s why I always strive to give my best, even when it’s difficult, because every step forward brings me closer to the end goal.

I also make a conscious effort to find positivity in every situation. Life will always present challenges, but I believe in cutting out negativity and choosing a mindset that promotes growth and peace.

In dealing with others, I aim to act with care, integrity, and fairness. Ethical decisions aren’t always easy, but considering the impact of my actions helps me navigate even the most difficult situations.

Equally important is taking care of myself. I’ve learned that I cannot pour into others if I am running on empty. Rest, health, and balance are not luxuries—they are necessities.

My spirituality continues to guide me, grounding me in faith and helping me stay aligned with my values. Alongside this, I strive to exercise good judgment in all that I do.

Finally, I remind myself that growth is ongoing. I revisit my values, reflect on my actions, and make adjustments where needed. Becoming better is a continuous process, not a final destination.

Posted in Amazon shopping, Awesome Deals, Back to school deals, Back to school deals, Celebrating Existence, Great deals, Office Supplies

Celebrating 15 Months and 178 Lists on Benable: My Why, My What, My How!

Fifteen months ago, I followed a gentle nudge — to share the things I genuinely love and use, not just with my close circle, but with the world. What began as a single list on Benable has now grown into an incredible library of 178 lists (and counting), each created with intention, honesty, and heart.

My Why: Serving Through Sharing

At the center of it all is a genuine desire to help others. I believe in lifting others up — whether it’s by recommending stuff I myself would use, offering inspiration through faith-based encouragement, or making someone’s day easier with travel ideas.

Sometimes people just need a little direction in a world full of choices. I share not to sell — but to serve. My lists are born out of real experiences, real needs, and real questions people ask every day.

My What: A Little Bit of Everything — With Love

My Benable space is filled with collections that meet people where they are. From self-care and wellness tools for moms and creatives, to smart toys for kids that make learning fun, every list solves a problem or adds joy.

If you’re preparing for a new school term, you’ll love my back-to-school picks. Need gift inspiration? I’ve got curated options for family gift ideas, gifts for teachers, and even book lover gifts.

For those looking for trendy fashion or those getting married, I have got you covered. If you are struggling with fibromyalgia or you have scoliosis, I have you covered. If your gluten intolerant or dealing with being lactose intolerant, I have you covered.

And if you’re looking for motivation or daily inspiration, my inspirational books list and motivational wall art bring encouragement into your space.

My How: Living What I List

I create each list with purpose. Everything I recommend is either something I personally use, have deeply researched, or trust enough to share with my own family. My process is simple — observe, experience, curate. I think of the busy parent looking to simplify mornings, the writer trying to stay organized, or even the artist or the student needing back to school essentials.

I also listen. Many of my lists are built from real conversations — like helping a friend plan a find food they can enjoy, or services they can benefit from, or compiling intriguing book titles based on what piques my interest.

And because I believe in living consciously, I’ve also created lists to support my diet and lists for eco-friendly habits and choices.

My Joy: Building a Trusted Space

The greatest joy in this journey is knowing that my recommendations have made a difference in someone’s life. Maybe it was a cozy home find that brought peace, or online courses that can help individuals realize their dreams. Even the smallest list, like my home and kitchen essentials, has the power to impact someone’s daily routine.

This platform has also allowed me to celebrate the little wins — like toys and book resources for little ones, feel-good product finds, or games that families can enjoy together or as simple as clothing for all family members.

Here are just a few of the 178+ lists I’ve created so far:

And that’s just a sample! You can explore all my lists anytime at benable.com/rachaelathomasj

What’s Next: More Purpose, More People, More Possibilities

This journey is only beginning. As I reflect on these past 15 months, I’m reminded that we all have something to share — something that can help someone else. Through Benable, I’ve been blessed with the chance to give back in a meaningful way, one list at a time.

Thank you to everyone who has browsed, clicked, shopped, or shared. You are part of this beautiful story. If you haven’t yet, I invite you to explore all my lists here — and maybe you’ll find a little magic too.

Here’s to helping, growing, and glowing — together. If you would like to join Benable please use this link https://benable.com/i/SW8FH. Benable allows you to share favorite things, and choose from 40,000 brands soskip the waitlist with my link.

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

Celebrating 365 ClickASnap Moments: A Year of Nature, Landmarks, Food, Projects, and Motivation

A picture speaks a thousand words, and over the past eighteen months, I have captured 365 unforgettable moments on ClickASnap! From breathtaking landscapes to mouthwatering food, iconic landmarks, creative projects, and daily motivation, this journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

365 Uploads of Pictures

Photography is more than just taking photos; it’s about storytelling, emotions, and capturing the beauty in everyday life. Every image I’ve shared has been a reflection of my experiences, passions, and the little joys that make life extraordinary.

Nature’s Beauty 🌎

Nature has always been a source of peace and inspiration. From golden sunsets and towering mountains to delicate flowers and crashing waves, my gallery is filled with moments that remind us to pause and appreciate the world around us.

Landmarks That Leave You in Awe 🏛🌍

Whether it’s famous historical sites, hidden architectural gems, or local wonders, landmarks tell stories of history and culture. Through my lens, I’ve captured places that hold significance and beauty, allowing viewers to travel with me visually.

Food: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul 🍽📸

Food is more than nourishment—it’s art, tradition, and culture combined. From homemade delicacies to restaurant masterpieces, each dish I’ve photographed carries a memory, a flavor, and a unique story.

Creative Projects and Passion 🎨💡

Beyond photography, I’ve shared glimpses of my creative projects, whether it’s DIY crafts, business ventures, or artistic endeavors. These snapshots highlight my dedication to learning, growing, and inspiring others to bring their ideas to life.

Motivation and Positivity 💫📖

A picture can lift your spirits, and that’s exactly what I’ve aimed to do with my motivational images. Whether it’s a sunrise symbolizing new beginnings or a quote against a powerful backdrop, each post has been a reminder to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

Looking Ahead

Reaching 365 photos is a milestone, but this is only the beginning! I look forward to capturing even more moments, exploring new perspectives, and continuing to share inspiration through photography.

🎉 Join me on ClickASnap and explore my collection! 🎉
🔗 Click to view my gallery

Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey! Your support, engagement, and appreciation mean the world. Here’s to another year of creativity, storytelling, and celebrating existence—one click at a time! 📸✨