Tag: Celebrating Existence

Posted in Love You Daddy, Remembering Loved Ones

Celebrating my Dad on Father’s Day!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Today I celebrate my Dad (Ramchit) on Father’s Day!  Today I:

Remember a man of

Admirable qualities; a

Man whose

Character and resilience

Have spoken volumes; 

Integrity has been unwavering

Through Time!

Though Daddy is not with us, he will never be forgotten! 

Maathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava, Aacharya Devo Bhava, Athidhi Devo Bhava.

Translation: Honour thy Mother as God. Honour thy Father as God. Honour thy Teacher as God.Honour thy Guest as God.

While I do not say much, it never means I do not think of my Dad so many times in a day. This is something many can relate to if their father’s too have passed or other loved ones have passed! Loss is never something we get used to but we accept it as a part of life as best as we can!

I remember his final moments, our last conversation, times we spent together, the way he showered all of us with love, the life he lived, the things he did, the sound of his voice, his smile, his laughter, special moments he and Mummy created for us, things they did, family traditions they created and so, so much more! Some voids can never be filled, and this is one, but the moments we have are what give us comfort and keep us going!

There are so many things I learnt from both my Mom (who thankfully is still with us) and my Dad. With Daddy in particular, these are just some:

1. Out of every negative, look for a positive!

2. Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are!

3. If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail!

4. Don’t do unto others what you don’t like for yourself!       

Ramchit Ramesh Thomas was my Daddy, and I couldn’t ask for a better father! His life was dedicated to service and to helping others and it is something he and Mummy taught all of us- their three (3) children. He taught us the value of hard work and of honesty!  

While I wish things could be different, I know they cannot, but I cherish all the time we had with him! 

He always gave his best! He loved life, he loved his family, he always gave selflessly, and he fought a brave fight!  He lived a life many of us can learn from and he gave us lots of wonderful memories we can hold on to! 

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to say the late Ramchit Ramesh Thomas was my Daddy! Both he and my Mom have played a critical role in who I am today!  Happy Father’s Day Daddy! We love you!  We will always love you! Though you are not here physically, you will never be forgotten!

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life

Celebrating existence- action in the face of ill action!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Oh yes, in this post I am celebrating action in the face of inaction, so you definitely read it correctly! Sometimes I feel stunted into silence! Why? Honestly at times it’s difficult to say it is just one reason, but I know writing this post creates an avenue many may be able to relate to! 

Does it mean I am doing no more writing? By all means no! 

Some very wise souls imparted knowledge that have surely helped me get where I am at present!

One was, “Keep writing!” 

Another was to find a positive in every negative and to carefully think through each decision. 

Through and through those have kept me going! These and the love and support of my circle. Some days it feels smaller than other days but keeping my focus on those who need me has been of paramount importance!

Surely at times some of these things must have crossed your mind:

1. Those who have said things about you!

2. Those who track every step you take and make an issue of it!

3. Those who judge you incorrectly because they don’t know you!

4. Those who can’t handle your energy!

5. Those who drain your energy!

Honestly, I have had my fair share, but such is life! There is more to come because this is the story of life! 

And yes, if I got a dollar for every rotten thing that happened, no doubt, I would be a millionaire but that’s not my focus – just my way of laughing at some of the curve balls that have come my way. 

But the reality is, people will always talk about you. Some do it to feel better about themselves, others do it because it disturbs them!

Keep your focus more than anything! Always focus on being a better version of yourself and always ensure that you do not let anyone distract you from your goals!

Those who cannot handle your energy will find every reason to stay away from you! They will also try to deter you in every way but never be so focused that you cannot see what you need to do rather than what you want to do. That’s the difference between being focused and being so self-absorbed that you cannot see what is right in front of you or you cannot see things for what they are.

Do not let anyone drain your energy. Your energy is just as precious as your time. More than anything do not give up! Focus on making memorable moments! Rise in the face of adversity and remember you are not alone!

This was something I coined as a verse:

“Little grains of water

Little grains of sand

Make the mighty ocean 

And the mighty land.”

The aim of this is to always be reminded that no one and nothing is insignificant. Do not let anyone make you feel less than a person. If they do that to you, don’t think you need to repay the favour. Never underestimate your worth and your contribution.

From me to you: keep your focus! Love life and live life!

Nuts.com

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 Celebrating Existence

Happy New Year 2022!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year everyone!

2021! What a year! If you are reading this thank God because it means you are alive! It means you survived to see another day and the start of another year!


It may not have been the easiest year but we pulled through- every single one of us! We can all agree that this was not an easy year and it was challenging in more ways than one. 
As we begin 2022, let’s begin by giving gratitude for ALL blessings.
Also take the time to celebrate, reflect and rejuvenate because we need to keep going and we need to take positive energy with us. Here are some helpful pointers!

  1. Practice self-care.
  2. Decide not to give attention to anyone that caused you pain and do not let their negative energy dominate your thoughts.
  3. Remember to keep living- enjoy life!
  4. Find a positive in every negative.
  5. Move forward- don’t look back.
  6. Keep your resolve!
  7. Use the scissors of life and cut out everthing you don’t need.
  8. Enjoy your journey!
  9. Give gratitude every single day!
  10. Be your best friend- not your worst enemy!

In case you are wondering what musical treat awaits you today then take the time to listen to this!

As you go through the year, take it one day at a time! Also, please remember to do your best to stay safe!

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating Independence Day 2021- T&T!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Happy Independence Day Trinidad and Tobago! Today we celebrate 59 years! 
“Together we aspire, Together we achieve” with “Discipline, Production and Tolerance”.


Have you taken the time to celebrate the Independence of our country? Don’t worry, it’s not too late!


We are a country that is culturally diverse! We are a country that is a melting pot! We are talented and we are gifted! We are people known for our warmth and a truly rich blend of food. Do you need some proof or a gentle reminder? Then click on this link:

https://www.discovertnt.com/welcome/national-icons/#axzz75BGoFt5N

Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to celebrate! Have you ever met a Trini who doesn’t have a story to tell or a Trini who cannot make you laugh? 


I hardly doubt it! We survive! We rally! We persevere! Maybe I am just speaking for those of us who do that, but I happen to think that is a lot of us!

 
Our music helps to tell our story and so does our food! So do our culture and our traditions! 

https://wordpress.com/posts/rachaelathomasj.com?s=independence

When challenges come our way this is something we should remember:

Here is another favourite that I am sure many would enjoy:

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

Celebrating the Journey!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Happiness, Life, Love and Blessings, Uncategorized

Announcing my Newsletter: Celebrating Existence!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hi

Celebrating Life-Surviving Depression

Are you in need of interesting content?

Are you in need of reminders about why you should be celebrating existence?

Are you in search of positivity?

Are you in search of inspiration?

Are you in search of an avenue through which you can find out newsworthy information on several areas of interest?

Are you in search of a way to spread positivity?

Then you need to subscribe to my newsletter-Celebrating Existence!

It’s been in the making for so long and today I take this opportunity to invite you to subscribe to my Newsletter!

All you need to do is to click on this link:

http://eepurl.com/g_UbNj

fb_img_15742564899028390703716148536321.jpg

Posted in Deepavali 2019, Divali, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Deepavali 2019!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

Deepavali 2019 is nothing short of a blessing. It is a first for us as this is our first trip to India and thus our first Deepavali in India as well as our first with our dear baby girl who is also celebrating her first Deepavali. In every sense it is a true celebration of life and understanding self, it is filled with priceless moments and being showered by an abundance of blessings. More so it is in every sense a day of being thankful for all blessings and a day filled with great humility and gratitude.

October 27, the most celebrated day of Deepavali, began in prayer, first with humble prostrations to our Sadguru, His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji and it continued with prayerful supplication throughout the day. We were able to join with hundreds of others to witness His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji perform Puja on the auspicious day of Deepavali 2019 and to participate in Puja. A great blessing this most certainly was!

Photo Credit: Ganesh Aps

As the day unfolded it presented so much that needed to be experienced with the heart and soul and not captured by phone or camera. It just needed to be experienced in its purest form, with energy at its purest and fullest- another step in understanding the self and the path being travelled. Energy, we can all agree comes in various forms. Energy, at its purest, is peaceful and calming. More so it is soothing and incomparable to anything else. There is no pressure, no stress, no pain, no negativity- just positivity!

Then came an opportunity to see the pieces of a puzzle (if one can call it such) come together as the Divine Master provided answers that for years I have not fought to find but accepted that faith would bring answers to if indeed they exist. It was like the unravelling of a story that for years has gotten the better of so many and has also denied them their true existence.
On the auspicious occasion of Deepavali 2019 He did exactly this! He provided answers and direction. Western Doctors who have resigned one’s fate to medication and dependency on medication they prescribe are no match for His greatness and knowledge, His compassion and His commitment to humanity. Being in the right place at the right time is one thing but being exactly where the Master wants you to be is another. It is absolutely the best part of the story ever! A way forward is what is received and it is better than being stuck which has been past reality.

Then to add to an already perfectly blessed day where your day begins with you seeing the Crowning Glory of the Universe, Nada Brahma, the epitome of Truth, Knowledge and Bliss, where it continues with you understanding how blessed you are by seeing more of what makes Him great, the epitome of perfection and the Master of the Universe you get your first real taste of Kriya Yoga which echoes the need to take care of oneself. Blessing after blessing most certainly! This is how I choose to see it and it is also how I choose to describe it.
It requires no searching, no stress, no fighting! That is not my life! No energy for it!
Then to bring Oct 27, 2019 to a close we had the beautiful opportunity of having a parent who lives downstairs where we stay do a rangoli design for our baby girl. Baby Sumanasa loved it and seeing how happy the daughters of these parents were made the occasion even more special.
Mere days earlier, on Dhanteras, Oct 25, 2019 this year, the first day of 5 days of Deepavali celebrations, we were fortunate to witness His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda perform Abhishekam for Lord Venkateshara. It was a sight to behold and truly an experience to be experienced through one’s own eyes and one’s own heart.
Then today, October 28, 2019 being able to witness Appaji’s return to Ashrama was certainly a most memorable occasion.

Sri Guru Datta

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

Celebrating Today Every Day!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Celebrate today! Why should you do this everyday? For starters you should celebrate it today because you are alive and you are reading this! Consider too it is a new week, new month and look to each new day with hope and faith that it brings you one step closer to your goal.

Photo Credit: SGS Posts- Simple Good Sayings 29 Aug. 2019

For those who may think that there is nothing to celebrate, let us focus on what there is to celebrate- life, the ability to make decisions for ourselves, the ability to chart our individual journey, the ability to see things for what they are.

I urge you to take the time to read this post which I wrote in 2014. Here is the link: https://rachaelathomasj.com/2014/10/12/celebrating-today/

As we celebrate today let us focus primarily on now and let us focus primarily on you. What should you be happy about? Let’s see:

• You just opted to make some time for yourself.

• You didn’t get to start worrying about tomorrow

Photo Credit: SGS Posts- Simple Good Sayings 30 Aug. 2019

The truth is both are important. Firstly you should always make time for yourself as it is a key component of loving yourself. Neglecting yourself means losing out on an opportunity to have the things you need to grow and to be a better you. For example it is what you need for your peace of mind. Have you ever observed what happens to something when you neglect it? Now ask yourself this: What will happen if you neglect yourself? Let the answers you come up with be enough to encourage you to make time for you! Do the things you love, do the things you want to do but even more so, do the things you need to do.

Secondly, why worry about tomorrow when tomorrow is promised to no one? For those who can recall these are three things I always urge you to do:

  1. Always focus on what you are sure about and that will help you deal with each situation. It will in essence help all the pieces fall into place. In short, it will help you to get clarity and figure out how to move forward.

  2. Always give your best. When you give your best there is no room for self doubt. It will help you deal with past actions and it will also help you move forward.

  3. Keep your faith and your belief. Accept that you are unique and you are specially made. If you have no control over situations worrying can only serve to do negatives- you overthink, you increase your blood pressure, you make rash decisions, you may lose your ability to analyze and assess. If you believe in God and in His greatness how can you not trust Him to set your situation right? Once this is done, breathe and celebrate.

What is there to celebrate? There is a lot. Your life, your family, your friends, your experiences, your successes, your challenges, your disappointments, the people who don’t like you, the money in your pocket (no matter how little it is), the hardships you faced, the struggles you have overcome.

With some asking why you should celebrate negatives like challenges, disappointments and some of the other things I have mentioned, I will gladly explain. Challenges and disappointments make you stronger and they help to develop your drive and your determination. It fuels you to persevere and helps you assess whether it is really worth it. By that time you realize how much you want it.

Photo Credit: SGS Posts- Simple Good Sayings 28 Aug. 2019

Celebrating people who don’t like you is not something you should invest a lot of time in. What it means is that you should realize that people who don’t like you either inspire you to work harder or they are not meant to be in your life. That’s where the ‘scissors of life’ concept comes in. Cut out the unnecessary baggage and the unnecessary people.

Agreeably too we can agree that not everything can be celebrated and I maintain that no one can tell you how to feel unless they are in your shoes. Some circumstances are very different and change us forever. I would never ask you to celebrate death but I would ask you to celebrate life and celebrate each moment you share and have shared with your loved ones. Let that be your comfort and let it help you smile.

Don’t give up!

Don’t ever think you are alone because you are not!

Never limit yourself but challenge yourself!

Make every moment count!

Live without regrets!

Use these pointers everyday! Let it help you be a better you and let it help you manage the challenges each day brings.

Posted in Jade, Jade and its origin; value of Jade

Celebrating Jade

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Maybe you know and maybe you don’t!

It is something that may be an eye-opener for many but it certainly promises to be a rewarding and interesting post!

How familiar are you with Jade?

Do you know it is a precious stone that emits positive energy and it is not something you buy for yourself but it is something you should be gifted with? Well this is true and really worth taking note of!

Photo credit: http://www.threadmagazine.com

Jade is a precious stone indeed and it is made from nephrite and jadeite. Jadeite is in itself a combination of sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene.

More so Jade exists in six different colours: green, lavender, red, yellow, white and black. Green is the most traditional and expensive color for jade. I personally love it. The green color varies from pale or yellowish green to Granny Smith apple green, its best. The energy from the person gifting it to you and you being the recipient is purely positive. Giving positive energy to someone means that positive energy comes back to you!

Based on this we can surely agree that jade can be an ideal gift for so many reasons:

  1. It gives positive energy and lot and lots of it too!
  2. It has a lot of value.
  3. It shows appreciation and love.
  4. It is a symbol of purity.
  5. It shows that you are worth something unique and something that costs as much as jade costs.
  6. It makes a statement.
  7. It means if someone decides to steal it they create added negative energy for themself.

Photo Credit: http://www.amazon.com

Therefore if you see this precious stone being used in any particular setting be grateful for it. Whether it is used in spiritual practice (Jade murtis, jade chairs), given as a housewarming present (jade elephants, jade dog), given as a personal gift (like earrings, necklaces or rings) or anything of the sort, be eternally thankful for its use. Know that it is a good sign and enjoy the positive energy that comes with it. Receive it with love and if you are giving it to someone give it with love.

As my Uncle Steve would surely agree when you have a woman named Jade in your life she is a blessing and certainly a gift from God!