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

Embracing Humanity: The Beauty and Struggles of Being Human

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, 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!

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life

Celebrating existence- action in the face of ill action!

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 Being Prayerful, Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Helping Others, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Life’s Lessons through the eyes of Experience!

Hey everyone, yes, I am celebrating life’s lessons, and I am celebrating it through the eyes of experience. Certainly, life presents us with so many challenges that sometimes it comes one after the other, but one of the important things is keeping our faith and not giving up!

Easier said than done, right?

Don’t get me wrong, I am not here to tell you I know what you are going through, or to tell you to get over it or to tell you that your challenges are insignificant! That is not me, it was never me and would never be me, and I can assure you that. I believe in treating people as you would like to be treated and I always do my best to help others.

One thing that I always say and those who know me can attest to it is that no one can ever stand in your shoes and fully say they understand what you are going through because there is only one you and a pair of shoes doesn’t fit any two people the same way. The same adjectives may be used like ‘comfortable’ or ‘uncomfortable’ but that’s as close as it gets.

What I do however is share positivity as best as I can with the hope my messages can reach people the world over! This blog is one medium, then there are my social media pages and my most recent addition has been TikTok. Here is my TikTok link for those who want to visit it, https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelathomasj . I also urge you to think about these five things!

  1. Not everyone will like you! In this life, people will be bothered by your success, your achievements, your disposition, your beliefs, your finances, your appearance and your happiness just to name a few.
  2. Not everyone lives up to their word! Often times we would realize this is more real than we expect.  Many times people show us what they want us to see! They are about appearances, using flowery language and what we would call, ‘mamagism’.  (Re: Dictionary.com to deceive or tease/ (ˈmɑːməˌɡaɪ) Caribbean / verb. to deceive or tease, either in jest or by deceitful flattery.) They say what they think you want to hear and think that’s okay rather than be honest.
  3. Some people don’t realize the more they lie, the more difficult it becomes to tell the truth. It becomes so bad in some cases, that even they begin to believe their own lies.
  4. Some people do not realize that karma is real. It’s not about wishing anyone bad but asking people to apply Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,” to karma, with the full realization that there is a distinct parallel between the both.
  5. People love to create illusions. They don’t realize illusions can be shattered in a split second.

This being said, I sincerely hope these help you!

  1. You don’t need everyone to like you! Your circle may be small but those people you need in your life will be there.
  2. Always use what you know to guide you through your reasoning. Also, don’t change who you are unless it is to become a better version of yourself.
  3. Lies don’t survive. The truth eventually comes out. Just don’t let anyone insult your intelligence, take advantage of you or underestimate your worth.
  4. Always be good and do good! Don’t stoop to anyone’s level! Remember that God always takes care of His children!
  5. Remember sometimes when people choose to be ridiculous, know you just don’t have to respond. I am not saying that should not defend yourself or let others walk over you but sometimes silence pays and trust me, you would know when you should be silent and not expend your energy. Some individuals are so self-absorbed that they cannot see how they are destroying others or hurting them. Don’t subject yourself to insults and by all means if you can, use the scissors of life to cut toxic people out of your life.

Nuts.com

In closing, don’t give up! Always believe in yourself! Sometimes, it may not be easy but always know you are not alone!

Posted in Celebrate Today, Education, Learning Opportunity, Life, Surviving Covid-19

Announcing my Online Classes: IELTS (Academic & GT), CELPIP, ESL, CSEC

https://livexp.com/rachaelann-2427bb

Hi,

 
Have you been looking for alternatives to help you, your friends, children or other close loved ones in accessing tuition online?
 
 
In the event that you are wondering why online options are better at this point, it is because of the very fact that Covid-19 has placed several challenges and restrictions around the world. These have created so many trying options that many have not expected.
 
As people the world over continue to get things back to normal many still need help to prepare for their exams- (at least not the way they want to) and parents have been put in a position to help them get their education and help them prepare. To view my profile and sign up for my sessions please click on the link below:
 
 
 
Rest assured that I am offering many great options. Over the years I have acquired a lot of experience as an ESL Teacher. In addition to being TEFL Certified, I am also a trained IELTS Specialist for tutoring students preparing for IELTS Academic and General Training. I have also gained a lot of experience in tutoring persons preparing for CELPIP exams for all the strands being tested on as well.  Bear in mind too that I am also continuing to provide tutoring for CSEC Exams for English (A), Office Administration, EDPM and POB. 
 
IELTS, CELPIP and ESL Tutoring are available to people from all around the world. My CSEC online classes in particular are available to persons from several Caribbean countries and surrounding countries namely Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Belize, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Suriname. 
 
What benefits are in store for those who join my classes other than online tuition?
 
1. Videos on demand and ample notes
 
2. Opportunities for individual attention & personalized feedback
 
3. Lessons, assignments & quizzes that are easily accessible
 
4. Courses that are offered at great prices
 
5. An opportunity to benefit from discounted offers when provided
 
6. An opportunity that will help them realize that they should not give up
 
7. Having me as your Lecturer- means having someone who is dedicated, committed and passionate about teaching and helping others as well as a host of other benefits including my years of experience.
 
Here is your invitation to join me for any of my online classes!
 
I urge you to make full use of this opportunity and to share it with others! It is in every sense, yours for the taking!
 
I look forward to seeing you there and looking forward to working with each person who signs up. Here is my video introduction!
 
 
Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life

Celebrating New Year 2023!

Hey everyone!

Happy New Year 2023! If you are reading this, it means you survived 2022!

Let’s celebrate all we have overcome in 2022 and all that awaits us in 2023 and beyond!

Let’s also take the time to understand the meaning of Auld Lang Syne.

2022 has been quite a year but with it there have been lots of lessons and just as there have been for me, surely, there must have been for you! To those who ended the year with me, thank you! To those who have supported me, thank you! Let’s move forward together!

As I celebrate all that I have overcome in 2022, I urge you to celebrate all that you have overcome! Celebrate you! Celebrate where you have come from, celebrate where you are now and celebrate where you are going! Celebrate your journey, celebrate each step you take and the journey that await you!

As you do this, please accept some friendly advice (yes, it’s a A to Z version created by me just for you!):

  1. Always be true to yourself!
  2. Be your best friend and not your worst enemy.
  3. Celebrate you, where you are and where you are going!
  4. Do not let people and situations destroy you!
  5. Erase negative qualities!
  6. Find a positive out of every negative.
  7. Give yourself the best chance possible!
  8. Have faith in yourself and do not underestimate your worth.
  9. Invest in self-care! Invest in you!
  10. Journeys vary for everyone- yours is different with others!
  11. Keep your focus!
  12. Love yourself!
  13. Make every moment count.
  14. Never give up.
  15. Open your eyes to reality and accept it for what it is.
  16. Passionately pursue your dream(s)!
  17. Question what you need to but only to find answers that will help you!
  18. Remember silence is golden.
  19. Show the people you love that you love them- don’t just say it!
  20. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
  21. Use the scissors of life!
  22. Vision Boards help so create your own! Place it where you can see it every day!
  23. Wasting time is not an option! Every moment is precious!
  24. X-factor applies to everyone, so, what makes you unique?
  25. You are stronger than you realize and your strength comes from within just like your peace of mind.
  26. Zealously move forward, giving your best always!

As this post is being written, it’s already New Years Day 2023 in many parts of the world. Here is a short video sharing some of it.

In many countries too, there are different traditions. Have fun looking at this video from the Today Show with some of our favorite hosts.

If you would like to sing along to Auld Lang Syne, here’s a video you will enjoy as the lyrics are there!

I wish you the very best to you and for your family for this New Year 2023! Be true to yourself! Take it one day at a time and don’t give up!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Blessings from Appaji, Celebrate Today, Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman’s Anniversary and Appaji’s Birthday!

Jaya Guru Datta!

Yes, you have read the title correctly!

“It’s a Happy, Happy, Happy Day! It’s a Holy, Holy Day! “

These are the words which have been playing in my head all day, because for us (meaning the devotees in Trinidad), the celebration is two-fold! The difference is, I am hearing it in Sri Bala Swamiji’s voice and the only other song I stopped to sing today was “Vande Santam Hanumantam” when I heard it in Pt Ganesh Maharaj’s TikTok video being sung by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda!

This was one of the first bhajans of His Holiness that I heard and today I was reminded of my initial visits to the majestically tall Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti which stands tall in Carapichaima. It is one many Datta devotees enjoy listening to, so I am sharing the YouTube link here.

Why is the celebration two-fold?

Let me explain:

  1. June 9, 2022 marks the 19th Anniversary of the consecration of the 85ft Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti by His Holiness Pujya Appaji.
  2. At the time when this post is being written, it is already Jyestha Sudha Ekadasi in India. It is also the day when we celebrate the Lunar Birthday of His Holiness and we wish His Holiness a very Happy 80th Birthday!

The 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti here in Trinidad is one that reminds us day after day, how blessed we truly are here in Trinidad. No amount of words can ever say how truly grateful we are!

As the day began, for me it didn’t feel like one where I wanted to be rushing and sorting work! Yes, I know work is important and it takes so much of my time, but it was a day when I wanted a different pace and in more ways than one, I got it.

The energy, the peace and the way the entire day unfolded was proof of it!

For those wondering about Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman, please allow me to share an excerpt from a post on Trinidad Hanuman Datta Mala, “Apart from that, Sri Appaji has always realised from His early visits, that our ancestors brought Hanuman worship in their hearts and minds and would sing his Chalisa if physical worship was not always possible, because of the difficulties they faced! This Hanuman devotion sustained them and helps us now also to overcome all obstacles!”

Please take the time to click on https://www.dattamalatt.com/post/happy-19th-consecration-anniversary and read the article in its entirety. Also, please take the time to view the video on the page in its entirety.

As described in “The Journey- Memoirs of A Devotee of Parama Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji,”  by Sheetal Prasadji, a very humble and gentle soul who is widely known as a musician and author, who is Trinidadian by birth, “On that most auspicious day, Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Pontiff of Datta Peetham and Spiritual Master to countless devotees all over the world, by His Divine Sankalpa, consecrated the Karya Siddhi Anjaneya Temple and later stated, Now He had synthesized Himself with Sri Hanuman and taken permanent residence in my ‘Bhoomi’ my home land (Chapter 31).

For those wondering about the consecration day itself, please take the time to view this video posted by Hanuman Hoffman. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=YcgT5S_1360 Also take the time to view this video posted below:

With an abundance of posts on Social Media, namely on Facebook to mark this historic occasion, the energy and celebration were evident. They were all filled with so much love with several special moments and memories shared by Datta devotees. For most of the day messages and posts celebrating the anniversary of Lord Hanuman dominated social media and messages celebrating Appaji’s birthday were evident as soon as it was either morning in India or it was morning in other parts of the world.

What made my day was being able to view Puja and Purnahuti live from Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Ashrama and being able to hear Appaji’s message as before one of the live sessions concluded. It gave me renewed energy to do one of the things I love most- writing!

Today was a day of peace, a day of giving thanks and a day for counting blessings! It was also a day of positivity and gentle reminders.

Happy 80th Birthday year Appaji!

In closing I take this opportunity to wish Appaji a very Happy Birthday 80th Birthday year to You! Please accept our humble Prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!

Posted in Celebrate Today, Education, Educational Opportunity, Learning Opportunity, Life

Announcing UNICAF’s University Programmes!

Yes, you read the title right!

For those who know me, you would know that I am on a mission to help others and touch the lives of people the world over, one country at a time. A question I always ask is, “Why deny yourself an opportunity to achieve the success you deserve?” As such I am sharing this link with you as I want it to be easily accessible to you https://apply.unicaf.org/

Have you seen this video? If not, please check this out as an opportunity to study with UNICAF is one you certainly should not pass up!

Backed by top investors from across the UK, US and Europe, their reach is global and in this video you can see they help students from around the world. They offer a host of programmes- Bachelor’s Degrees, Masters and Doctoral in a variety of fields- medicine, law, science and technology just to name a few.

Also, if you need to look at this video:

Give yourself the opportunity to invest in your future and to make your dreams a reality. Don’t lose any more time and remember it is yours for the taking! Apply today and start that new chapter of your journey today! Also, apply, share and give someone the gift of education today! Apply today!

Posted in Celebrating Existence

Happy New Year 2022!

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!

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: