Stories
When we share our stories, understanding, empathy and trust grow. Our relationships improve and we get a stronger sense of community. At Heartlines, we’ve seen how story-sharing has impacted and connected thousands of people beyond anything we could have imagined. Here are some of those stories.
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All stories
Acknowledging the healing power of storytelling for mental health
The first time I was encouraged to review my life story, I was sceptical. The idea struck me as an exercise in self-indulgent navel-gazing, even futility. What good could it do to review a past that couldn’t be changed? But I agreed to try, and what an impact it had.
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What it means to create safe spaces in the workplace
We hear a lot about creating “safe spaces” in the workplace, but what do these safe spaces look like? And most importantly, how do we do it?
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The power of heritage in South Africa
South Africa has a complex past, so a day like Heritage Day can be met with mixed emotions. But what if we were open to exploring the aspects of our own heritage, as well as the heritage of those around us, to understand ourselves and each other better?
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We need our elders' stories
When elders share their stories, it bridges generational gaps, fosters understanding, and creates a sense of continuity between the past, present and future.
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"Dance chose me"
These are the words of Musa Motha, a disabled dancer who recently got one of the biggest standing ovations in the history of Britain's Got Talent.
Grace and compassion – the cornerstones in my mental health journey
Akona did not let an attempted carjacking and psychotic episode derail her from being the mother her son deserves.
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Learning to walk again after a traumatic accident
Sphiwe's accident left permanent scars on her legs that drove her into hiding from the public, but now she walks with confidence again.
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A tale of reconciliation in Tshwane
Here's how What's Your Story? was used to start an ongoing process of reconciliation between church leaders in Tshwane.
Sharing her story to heal the wounds of her past
She has no regrets about her past despite a childhood filled with abuse and trauma. Read more about Sharing her story to heal the wounds of her past
Foreign nationals talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home
The Sister Mura Foundation is providing medical, financial, and emotional support while upskilling foreign nationals living with HIV/AIDS in SA. Read more about Foreign nationals talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home
A dream deferred leads to a life of leadership and success
Olefile Masangane has achieved what he thought would be impossible.
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Storytelling breaks stereotypes about criminals
Father Babychan Arackathara has been working as a chaplain in SA’s prisons for over 20 years. He is an advocate of the human rights of prisoners and restorative justice, bringing healing to offenders as well as victims and their families.
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