Someone asked me once about my outlook on life. I had to think about that for a moment. I think the answer to that question can be dictated by how you feel in the moment and if that is the case, then our responses will cover an array of emotions. In this instance I think the person was asking me what purpose keeps me moving forward even though everything seems in chaos. This is an easy question for me to answer. It is that deep seeded desire to make a difference in other people’s lives. This is not something I just developed, it was ingrained in my brothers and me since birth because that is who my mother was. My mother gave herself to make the lives of others better. Whether it was in the moment or through life lessons, she gave to her sons. My mother’s outlook on life was the same as mine is today. How can I make a difference.
It has been a long road for me to get to this point because of the choices I have made in the early years of my life, but I think we all go through that. I do not know what changed or when, but I have been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference. I have been blessed that I have been on this earth for the last sixty-one years. I know someone will say you’re still young, but I know many people who never made it to twenty-one. I think it is why I work hard to make a difference for others. There are no guarantees that we will have tomorrow, so, I make every effort to bring hope to others every day. This is not easy because life throws you curveballs every day and it can be a challenge to in the words of the Reverand Jesse Jackson to “Keep Hope Alive”
I keep my hope alive because I have the opportunity every day to work with people that live their lives making a difference. When things seem at their darkest, these amazing people bring a light of hope every day 24 hours a day/7days a week/365 day a year. Since I have been in this role as the DEI Officer for Berkshire Health Systems, I have received awards and recognition for the work I do. I will not deny that it is a great feeling but for me I represent all those people on the frontlines who are doing the hard work. These recognitions are for them and all that they do. When I get the opportunity to speak, I will always recognize those in the community who make a difference and make my work have meaning.
I believe that my mother is my driving force. I can feel her energy as I move through life every day. When I am down and what to give up, she is there in spirit cheering me on. When my ego gets the best of me, I can feel her hand slapping me in the back of the head telling me to “Get Right”.
I would say that my outlook and purpose for my life is to live as Phyllis Redd King taught me. She lived her life with compassion, grace, humility, forgiveness, discipline, and a mother’s love. I hope that I can continue to make her proud because I have become the person, she wanted me to be.
I hope all of you have or will find your purpose for your life. It changes everything.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 