When feeling out of control, it’s good to remember that fighting is an option. You can plant your feet, shout no, and resist what is coming your way. But that is also a very exhausting, depleting response. It can be too reactive, too simplistic, and we can say no to too many things just in the urge to maintain some sense of agency in the situation.

I find that honoring my anger and taking action is one way of feeling alive in this world, even if I don’t get the outcome I want. The deeper lesson is that standing up for one’s self is always an act of self-respect that cannot be stripped away, though it certainly risks consequences.

Today is a day to honor the angry and hurt parts within us that need to be strong and need to stand up. Give them energy to take meaningful action—to speak to the person who could do something about the issue, and not just to a nebulous horde. And take time to have fun, to rest, to play, to live your life. Make space for your full self.