The Power of a Shared Story : Podcast Episode 8!

Friendship Bench
Aug 18
2 min read

Dixon Chibanda sitting on the Friendship Bench with Lata and Tracy

On a Friendship Bench, healing is a journey taken together. In a recent episode of "Healing Through Stories," host Dixon Chibanda, the founder of Friendship Bench, sat down with two members of the Friendship Bench Dandaro team, Tracy and Lata, to discuss how sharing our stories can transform our lives. Their powerful conversation revealed a profound truth: we find our strength not by fighting our battles alone, but by reaching out and sharing them.

Tracy's story is a testament to this. After 18 months of uncertainty and being misdiagnosed, she finally received a diagnosis of cervical cancer. While this news might terrify many, Tracy's response was one of immense gratitude. She felt relief, not fear, because she finally knew what she was up against. As she put it, "It's not fighting in the dark". Her true fear was in the unknown, in the "dark and lonely place" of carrying her burdens alone. The moment she opened up to someone, she felt "a whole load had been taken off" and "that quelled the fear".

Lata’s experience resonated with this theme, emphasizing the importance of finding a safe space to share. She explained that many people lack an environment where they can talk with "confidentiality" and "honesty". The Friendship Bench provides a unique space where you can share without fear of being judged, especially when talking to someone who doesn’t have preconceived notions about you. As Lata wisely notes, "If you don't unburden yourself, it's just going to fester".

Both Tracy and Lata show us that our scars from life’s battles are not signs of weakness, but badges of grace and dignity. By sharing them, we not only heal ourselves but also light the path for others. The Friendship Bench is built on the simple but powerful idea that a conversation on a bench can lead to deep, personal healing.

Listen to the episode

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