Tell us about yourself and your life?
My name is Rejane, I’m 56 years old, I’m from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Most of the time, I’m a happy person, communicative, curious about all kinds of art, especially fashion. I love colors, and I used to dress peculiarly when I was young, making many unusual combinations. The arrival of menopause changed that a little; I became less energetic and calmer. It also caused me to reframe my way of dressing; I dress more basic these days, comfortable and sober colors.
My life changed a lot in the past few years and is full of challenges right now. Ever since I decided to immigrate at the age of 54, it’s been like being born again.
Tell us about your career?
I was never a methodical person, so my career was not linear; I did many things in life, from working with fashion, being a salesperson, and having my own store. I tried to adapt and became a kindergarten teacher at a certain point. It was a very enriching and rewarding period working with children. Still, it wasn’t my true vocation; my true heart lies in fashion.
How does a Brazilian woman end up in Eindhoven?
I always liked traveling, seeing new places. In the 80s, I dreamed of living in London; in the 90s, I studied English for a period in San Diego, California. I always had that inside me, the feeling of not belonging anywhere. I got married late; at age 51, my husband works in technology, and we moved to the Netherlands for better job opportunities. It was a dream of both of us coming true.
Can you tell us about motherhood?
I was very young when I became a mother, I was 19 years old, and I wasn’t prepared for motherhood. I experienced it as very scary to become a mother. My mother played an essential role in this story; she helped me with the baby a lot. She took care of my daughter, which allowed me to follow the life I had before motherhood. Many times people thought my daughter and I were sisters. It was not easy; there were a lot of conflicts. Nowadays, I’m proud of her; she built a beautiful family of her own, and I have 2 grandchildren. My daughter and my mother are still very closely connected in Brazil.
What do you consider your best achievement?
Having had the courage to immigrate at the age of 54. I am full of challenges ahead in a period you should be comfortable with your life and the life you build for yourself.
What is your fantasy version of your older self, say 80 years old?
Healthy and fit, still curious about all kinds of art, especially fashion, wearing red lipstick and my short hair, which I love. Going to philosophical cafes with some interesting friends, having lots of laughs, drinking a good glass of wine, and speaking fluent Dutch. ?
What would you tweet to your younger self?
Run Jane Run.
What do you do to stay positive both mentally and physically?
I’m still in the middle of this transformative phase called menopause. I can’t always keep myself mentally positive, but as I have a cheerful nature, this in itself makes things lighter. Sometimes I meditate before bed. In addition, I have been exercising since I was young, 3 to 4 times a week. Nutrition has always been important to me; I think eating healthily makes a big difference in how we age. After menopause, I began to eat a low-carb diet and intermittent fasting at times.
Latest Google search?
I really like Norwegian movies, and it made me research the city of Oslo. Visiting Olso is now on my to-do list.
What is your age, and how old do you feel?
I’m 56, and I feel my own age, 56, for the first time in my life. This was one of the positive things about menopause; it made me get in sync.
