Dignity: Three Letters and a Card

Dr. Donna Hicks talks about taking a personal vulnerability evaluation of ourselves in her book “Leading with Dignity” it is important that we sit down and look within ourselves in order to understand what our blind spots may be. When we get to know who we are we become that beacon of light that leads to dignity (I know, I have been watching to many Hallmark Holiday Movies). 

My career in healthcare has expended over 35 years (26 years as a nurse). In that time, I have experienced the best of me and the worst of me. We all have those experiences where we could have done better or had those days when we were on point. What I have learned from looking at the dignity within myself is that I carried hurt which translated to how I treated people. It took me a long time to recognize what I need to change within myself so that I could become a better person.  

I have 3 letters and 1 card that I hold on to and read at least once a week. Each one has significance to me because they remind me of how important it is to honor and elevate dignity. 

Two of the letters are from patients that were addressed to me. The first letter was from a patient who had an excellent experience and the second was from a patient where I was not at my best. One letter is easy to read and great for the ego. The second letter difficult to read because it reminds me of my shortcomings. I read these letters because they keep me grounded. They remind me of the best of me and when I stumbled.  

The 1 letter and card were from staff I have worked with. The letter was from a staff member who I embarrassed in front of his peers and he quit his job and decided not to become a nurse. The card was from an employee who thanked me for giving them a chance when others did not. Again, these two messages reminded me what I am capable of and that I can honor and violate the dignity of others.  

Often times when I talk about dignity, I can get a little arrogant about it. These letters and card remind me that I can go astray just as easy as anyone else. I learned more about myself when I have violated dignity (which I try to avoid) than I have when I have been praised. I have learned that it is important to know who we are so that we can understand what drives us to either elevate or violate dignity. Most of us do not want to violate the dignity of others but when we do we need to learn from that experience, right the wrong we have done, and strive to be a better person. I work on that every day.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome.” Maya Angelou  

Charles Redd RN 

Your Dignity Freedom Fighter