PERHAPS it was mere coincidence, but this week’s Pepperpot Magazine focuses on stories promoting positivity.

When I looked at the mere collection of persons encouraging others not to give up regardless of their situation- a ‘pointa’ broom seller who is proud of her profession; women who were teenaged mothers but have fought against the odds and are now living fulfilling lives, and many others- it brings to mind just how important these stories are in helping to mould the minds of the public.

In a 2011 article on the Huffington Post, columnist Rachael Freed said this about the importance of storytelling: “Stories connect the past and present to the future. Our stories and our learning from them honour and respect our ancestors and us. They can awaken future generations to their potential.

They model a way to use their stories to release themselves as they connect to their history and to our values.” And so as you read the Pepperpot this week, and going forward, we urge that you pay more than just casual attention to the stories that these persons have to tell, as they may very well be responsible for changing someone’s life in a positive way.