Success has many different names and it means something different for each of us. How does it happen that some people gain it effortlessly, while others fail all the time, even if they try to do their best? What seemingly looks like a not demanding excessive effort accomplishment, in fact, is a result of hard work, persistence and a kind of enthusiasm accompanying a given person. Most of these people, who are now at the height of their career or other life missions, have gone astray somewhere on their way and failed a few times. What allowed them to deal with those challenges? A belief that you can and that you will succeed. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You may just be left with the opportunity to observe other people’s happy lives through a dirty windowpane.

It’s worth getting inspired by people, who are characterized by a great charisma. They spread positive energy around themselves, the one which has a positive impact on the surrounding them individuals, and on the long run they give them hope for a better tomorrow and a brand new start. Passionate people provide professional insight to others, and what’s most important, they don’t get discouraged by the fact that their students don’t always understand everything at the beginning. Why is it like that? This is because they see the bigger picture, and not only its part. It allows them to see much more, and thanks to the right experience they can estimate how a given person’s potential could be used in the future.

Today, I’m really pleased to introduce you to Ruth Adeyemi – a blogger, pharmacist, coach and most importantly a truly energetic woman coming from a distant and exotic country, that is Nigeria. What’s fascinating about Ruth? Passion, persistence and faith. During this conversation you will have the opportunity to get to know her a little bit better!

Passion Piece: Could you tell my readers a few words about yourself?

Ruth: Hello, I hope you are having a fantastic day. My name is Ruth Adeyemi, founder of SARMLife, a Faith-based lifestyle blog. I started blogging because I love to share my knowledge as regularly as possible. Aside from blogging, I coach some students on essential digital skills. I additionally began a sponsorship program this year concentrated on preparing two women on any expertise of decision. A little fun fact, I live in a small town in Nigeria that is as cold as New York City in the raining season (AKA spring). I think that’s pretty cool for a hot country!

Passion Piece: You come from Nigeria, but one of the things which made me smile was a comment about the place you live in and its climate, which is a bit similar to the one in New York in early spring. How come that Nigeria can ever be that cold?

Ruth: I am as astounded. One of the essential reasons why this part of Nigeria can be that cold is topography. The town is encompassed by mountains, slopes, waterways, and large trees, and this plan permits a lovely breeze during the day and a freezing night. I have secured myself continuously with 2-3 covers to deal with the cold. It is that bad!

Passion Piece: You had a chance to study in the United States. What field of study did you choose? How is the educational system different in Nigeria from the one in the USA?

Ruth: I am glad you asked. I graduated from Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL, the USA, with a Biochemistry degree. I even graduated as the best Chemistry Student of the year. Studying any course in Nigerian public universities has been a hassle for decades now. The colleges are known for their regular strikes, which wind up making a 4-year course to be five years or progressively; private colleges could have been a superior fallback alternative; be that as it may, they are costly and unrecognized by most employers. In the United States of America, I experienced a shift. I finished my degree on time, was engaged in several research opportunities, worked two jobs on campus, and had a fantastic student-professor relationship. All these are relatively uncommon in the Nigerian tertiary education system.

Passion Piece: What do you do when you don’t study? How does your professional life look like?

Ruth: My answer will probably sound funny. But, when I am not studying, I either sleep, cook, watch movies, chat, or sleep again. And when it comes to professionalism, I am like a bulldozer. I take on a great deal of work at the same time since I like to be involved. You might wonder how I manage. Well, one thing that has always helped is proper planning. I love phone planners, especially! I believe that when hard work meets adequate preparation, so many goals can be crushed.

Passion Piece: You run your own lifestyle blog. What made you set up your own website?

Ruth: This is a long story, but I will try to make it short. I started my website for two significant reasons: to improve my writing skills, and to share my knowledge with the world.

I was so eager to share my vacation experience with anyone that cared to read in December 2018. The urge was so great that I started to research how best to achieve that purpose. That was how blogging started.

Passion Piece: What do you mainly write about? Where do you look for your inspirations?

Ruth: Initially, I wrote about a lot of things, from food to health, fashion, motivational talks, faith, and so on. But as I began to learn, I realized that I needed a maximum of 3 content pillars to succeed as a blogger. Now, I write on life-related topics, style, and food.

For inspiration, I brainstorm with my Back Office Manager at the beginning of every quarter. We try to come up with topics on our own without checking what others are doing. That way, we can come up with unique content for our readers. Of course, no idea is new, but we love to claim the topics regardless.

Passion Piece: As a fellow blogger I know that there are times when it’s difficult to create a new content, although you know that the deadline is just around the corner. How do you deal with mental blocks?

Ruth: Oh my gosh, mental blocks are a thing. Before I had a content calendar, I was always stuck on what to write on. Even now that I have all my topics planned out, there are times that I lose track of time, and the deadline starts to scream my name. Usually, what I do to get out of this dilemma is a short nap. Taking short naps in moments of mental blocks has not only helped me to focus as well as flow creatively as I figure out what to write on.

Passion Piece: What advice would you like to give to everyone who would like to start writing as one of the ways of expressing oneself?

Ruth: I am currently anchoring an internship class on creative writing, and my number one advice is to know all genres. As an upcoming writer, it is essential to be familiar with all styles. That way, you can figure out the type that suits your personality. Once you know your genre, then you have to keep learning, and you cannot learn without being consistent. So, whether you would like to start writing to express yourself, or you want to be a professional, WRITE CONSISTENTLY. Not DAILY, but consistently.

Passion Piece: You seem to be an extremely happy and enjoying life woman. What’s your key to happiness?

Ruth: Haha! You are right. Over the years, I have learned to stay joyful and to live in the moment. In moments of unrest, I remind myself of these words from the Bible;

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Passion Piece: What do you love doing in your spare time? Is there something you’d like to take up in the near future?

Ruth: I love this question! In my spare time, I mainly watch movies, cook, or sleep, as stated earlier. I do these things since they help quiet my nerves following a stressful day. Soon, though, I would like to own a foundation for the less-privileged. Since assisting individuals gives me the best euphoria and what better approach to investing your extra energy than being around brilliant individuals.

Passion Piece: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Ruth: I feel like you threw a bomb at me with that question, Natalia, haha! My imaginations are wild guys, and sometimes scary. In the next ten years, I see myself happily married with my God-given husband and children. I love the idea of family a lot, so you can understand why I started with marriage. Career-wise, I see myself as a pharmacist, not just any pharmacist, but one that keeps aiming for the top. I see myself attending global conferences aimed at solving health problems. Finally, I see myself making the world a better place for as many people as I can. Starting from my present family, to every community I am a part of, and people yet unknown. This is a huge dream, but I know that with God, NOTHING is impossible.

Passion Piece: Which motto would you like to share with my readers?

Ruth: What a lovely way to end this pleasant discussion!

Victor Hugo said that “Perseverance, the secret of all triumphs.” I have carried this quote with me for as long as I can remember, and it has been the motto that drives my actions and reactions. The truth is, life does not promise to be pretty, but if you can persevere, you are well on your way to victory land.

Passion Piece: Thank you very much for this full of optimism conversation. I believe that when we meet in 10 years’ time, you will tell us a little bit about your successes and new plans for the future.

I hope that my today’s interviewee has infused you with her great life optimism, and thanks to that attitude she has inspired you not to lose your hope and to be persistent while pursuing your dream goals. Remember that you are just one step from living the reality you have created on your own!

See you around!

Yours,

Passion Piece

Photos by: Ruth Adeyemi