Jayne Whyte's Portfolio

It takes me about an hour to get to the office. It might seem like a long time, yes, it is quite some time, but honestly, I like to use that time to de-stress and mentally prepare myself for the day, and so most of the time, I am sitting on the bus, with my eyes closed and I am not just thinking about anything. If my eyes are open, then it’s just me staring at the window and not doing anything at all. Late last year, I started to spend this time listening to music and podcasts. The kind of music I would listen to would be classical music, and it gives a perfect feeling and start for the day. You should try listening to the classics.

This morning, I listened to a podcast, ‘Wiser than Me’, which is anchored by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. In this episode, Diane Von Furstenberg shares herself with Julia, and it was really a beautiful experience just listening to two amazing women share their thoughts on life, fashion and living. DVF is a fashion icon who was, at the time of the interview was 76 years old. In my life, I have listened to a lot of women speak, and this is the first time I am listening to a woman several miles from me who grew up in a different environment, lifestyle, and education, and I wondered why we had the same ideologies and thoughts about life. I am not kidding!

I love to listen to people talk about life, especially women. This is because I love to learn how people navigate their way through life, draw inspiration and, more importantly, validate some of my life decisions. I enjoyed this episode. I have decided to share some learnings on my blog.  

In this episode, DVF emphasised the need to be true to yourself and to like yourself as much as possible. If you know me, you know how much I say this to everyone I have conversations with. It is totally unAfrican for an African woman to love herself and I do not quite understand that (or maybe I choose not to understand). If you do or show that you love yourself, will be seen as being selfish. I feel very strongly that one needs to be true to oneself and love oneself, and in loving oneself, you can love and value others. To be honest, you can’t give what you do not have.

It will be totally impossible to talk about DVF without a statement on fashion. Here’s what she says: wear “something that represents you and you are comfortable in”.

I love the wrap dress! I remember wearing wrap dresses and skirts as a little girl.

When Julia asked about ageing, DVF said she prefers the word ‘living’. “How long have you lived?” ” I have lived 76 years”. “Aging is the proof of living”. This is so true! We are all living, and life is a journey. My thoughts are getting older should not mean “another life” or a “disadvantage”, but it should be seen as ‘part of a whole”. Aging gracefully= living gracefully.

There’s so much struggle in trying to achieve so much in such a short time that we lose the beauty of just living. Life is very short, and it feels shorter each time we give excuses for not enjoying the little things: the rainbow after the rain, a laugh with an old friend, playing with children, forgiveness after a hurt, dancing in the snow, and so much more.

On vulnerabilities, DVF acknowledged the need to face difficulties and obstacles and turn them into assets. Fear is not an option. So, if you are going through a difficult time, put your fear and emotions away and step outside fear. Vulnerabilities inspire. People want to know that you are vulnerable and not some superstar. That you fall and get up can inspire someone else to do the same.

DVF says, “Build a character as it is the only thing you have control over, and it is the strength you have as a person”.

And lastly, DVF shares my thoughts on meditation. She noted that emptying the noise, silence, and solitude is a beautiful thing to do as often as possible. Being alone is quite good, and do not be afraid of staying alone. Staying alone gives you an opportunity to tune in to yourself, listen to your breathing, and meditate. Making staying alone a routine will help you focus on things that really matter. This may take a lot of time to get used to, but it is a beautiful thing. And like me, DVF says, “I hate small talk, and I love nature”.

If you listen to ‘Wiser than Me’ by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, please share your favourite episode. Thanks for reading.

Cheers!