An Exclusive Interview with People of the Year Jhet van-Ruyven
I first read her story in Kerygma magazine sometime in June 2013. My initial reaction was, “Wow! What an inspiring story!”
Juliet “Jhet” van Ruyven is a Filipino author based in Canada. She was born to a poor family in a tiny rural village here in the Philippines. They were so poor she and her family of 14 shared a one room nipa hut with no running water and no electricity.
In 2005, she became an international best-selling author through her book The Tale of Juliet. She was also awarded People of the Year 2005 by People Asia Magazine. But that’s getting ahead of the story.
Last November 23, 2013, Jhet and I finally met in person when she gave a talk in front of thousands of people during Bro. Bo Sanchez’s Kerygma Conference.
I interviewed Jhet and I’d like to share her insights with you.
SHA: Hi Jhet! Such an honor to meet you in person. What inspired you to write the book The Tale of Juliet?
One day, one of my employees had a brain aneurysm in front of me. I called 911. Unfortunately, the following day she died. I was shocked and devastated. It could happen to me too. Here today and gone tomorrow. Her sudden passing brought up many important questions. “What did I really want to accomplish before I die? What legacy do I want to leave behind? Am I living my life to the fullest? What is my life’s purpose?
I reflected on how blessed I am, I’m living my dream and how can I help others do the same. God answered my prayers. The right people, right book editor, right circumstances and everything else came into place for me to fulfill my life’s purpose,
My first inspiration was really my father who, during my third birthday, gave me a coin bank “Alkansya” in the form of a book and in it inscribed “The Tale of Juliet”. This coin bank reminded me to be proud, to dream and to look forward to a better and brighter future. It’s entirely up to me to fill those pages with the stories of my life.
Second seed of inspiration was when I met Mark Victor Hansen. Mark is the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When I told him stories of my life he told me “Jhet you need to write a book. You have a book within you.”
Third was a Filipino inspiration. A priest mentor and friend who recommended me to get a college scholarship and introduced me to a Filipina author named Susan Vidal who wrote The Gospel according to My Kitchen Sink. We put our heads together and during our first meeting we wrote the rough outline of The Tale of Juliet. I followed through and 12 months later came The Tale of Juliet – You Have The Power To Change Your Life.
SHA: I read your book The Tale of Juliet. I learned that you were once a poor barrio girl who lived in a one-room nipa hut until you were 16 years old. How did you go from being poor to becoming a successful and wealthy entrepreneur, author, and speaker who travels all over the world?
It all started with a dream. A dream to uplift my life. It’s taking one step at a time towards the direction of a better life that I was born with. It’s also a burning desire that was planted in me when I was a little child. The understanding that I have the power within me to create my own future. I did not know where it was going to lead me, but I just continued to take inspired action.
I believe that through the power of prayer, strength of vision, a burning desire and unwavering determination anyone can positively alter the course of one’s life. Yours can too.
I have many mentors. I am fortunate to attend many seminars, bootcamps and retreats such as those of Harv Eker, Jack Canfield, Robert Kiyosaki, Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, and many more.
I always admire and look up to Bo Sanchez. Most importantly the love of my life, my life long partner, my dear husband Ted van Ruyven is always very supportive. He doesn’t normally read personal development books but within 24 hours of meeting Bro Bo, hubby already read two of his books. The future looks very bright indeed.
SHA: What advice can you give those who have big dreams but are hesitant to pursue them?
Dream Big Dreams, they do come true when you truly believe in them. Write down your big dreams and keep taking inspired action. Believe in yourself. Believe you can do it. Have faith. Commit to making your dreams happen, no matter what. Keep your eyes on your dream, on your goal, even if it seems impossible. When you make mistakes, learn from it. When you fail, that’s normal. Fail forward fast. Face fear and face failure head on.
Model successful people. Keep taking small steps towards the direction of your dreams. They say, you eat elephant one bite at a time. Same with our big dreams, little increments one day at a time. Begin with the end in mind. Have a vision. Where do you want to be in 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years from now? See it, feel it, touch it, smell it visualize it with vivid colors. What is most important to you in life?
Decide what you want and don’t ever, ever, let someone steal your dreams. Most people steal their own dreams. Believe in you. Live life to the fullest. Life is what you make it. If you feel like giving up. Don’t. Rest. Regroup. Follow your deepest desire. Follow your dreams and dreams will become reality.
When I was a child vendor and were very poor, I would hear the sound of an airplane and I would look up and wonder where it’s going. To date I have boarded airplanes, too many to count. I set foot in all the continents but Antartica.
When I was selling fruits in Matabungkay beach, I could see those humungous homes along the beach and I would fantasize what it must be like to live inside those, now I live in a four storey home, overlooking the same Pacific Ocean.
You got to believe in yourself, when no one else does. If it’s to be, it’s up to you entirely.
I am now living in gratitude, abundance and purpose. All my dreams came true and more. It all started with a dream and it became a reality well, well, well beyond my wildest dream. This can happen to you too. Build your dreams starting today.Through God just about anything is possible. Yes you can do it.
Jhet van-Ruyven will be here in Manila on January 25, 2014! Check more details at http://betrulyrich.com/poweroftwo/
I wish you success and happiness!
Sha Nacino
P.S. Jhet and I are excited to see you on January 25, 2014! Seats are running out fast! You may reserve your slot at http://betrulyrich.com/poweroftwo/
P.P.S. SAVE 60% OFF the regular price if you register on or before January 10, 2014! Go to http://betrulyrich.com/poweroftwo/ now!
*This article was originally published in Bo Sanchez’s Truly Rich Club Wealth Strategies newsletter.
http://betrulyrich.com/poweroftwo/
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Sha Nacino, Inspirational Speaker and Prolific Author
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Sha Nacino, Inspirational Speaker and Prolific Author
Sha Nacino is one of the most sought-after Filipino motivational speakers in the Philippines. She is the bestselling author of the books Money&Me, Mission Happiness, plus 7 other books. Sha is the founder of The 90-Day Book Writing Challenge where she helps first time authors write their books. She also writes for Bo Sanchez's TrulyRichClub newsletters. She regularly gives talks on Personal Finance, Happiness, Purpose, Success Principles, etc. If you wish to invite Sha to speak in your company or events, visit shanacino.com or email her at sha@seminarphilippines.com.
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