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 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

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

Celebrating Time: Happy New Year 2025!

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!