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.
Do you have a story that everyone needs to hear? We want to hear it! Share your story here.
All stories
What does empathy mean to Gen Z?
"Empathy is feeling someone’s struggles, even when they’re not yours," reflects Pule, 26. For many young people today, empathy is more than just a buzzword – it is a way of connecting, understanding, and building relationships in an increasingly complex world.
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I am not my work
Telamsile had to learn how to be herself and hold true to her values as part of a demanding career in an intense industry that doesn't always see the damage it can do in society.
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Empathy as South Africa's superpower
Empathy, fostered through storytelling, is the spark that ignites transformation. It can reshape hearts, minds and communities. Imagine the ripple effect if you infused empathy into your daily interactions or community. What new possibilities could you unlock? What barriers could you shatter?
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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.
