Perhaps it feels as if parts of you are dying with each fresh news cycle. That feeling is probably accurate. Constant stress is no good for your body. At the very least, you are getting a life lesson in learned helplessness right now. So in a very real sense, you probably are dying. Parts of you anyway. The part of your brain that thought it knew how the world worked. I’m sorry for your loss. Let’s go curl up together under that heavy weight comforter, in a darkened room cooled to 67 degrees, and watch our favorite TV shows until the wine kicks in and we can sleep.

NO WAIT. Let’s not do that. Because this? This fantastically shitty moment in American history? This is your origin story. You are fucking Batman, and I am so sorry you just witnessed your parents’ murder, but you are not allowed to crawl off and die because you’ve got to go out there and be a mutherfucking hero for the rest of your days. That part of your brain and body that is dying right now from all the stress? That is burning away the old you to reveal the hardened scar tissue underneath. And that is exactly where your superhero logo is located.

Here is what you need to know. You are not helpless. We are the majority. And you do not need to be Wonder Woman – constantly vigilant, always fearless, forever in your amour– you just need to take a moment to locate your super power.

Perhaps you are Grit, and your super power is throwing sand in the system. Perhaps you are Privilege, and using your position in society is your power. Perhaps you are The Face of people being targeted now, and your humanity is your power.

Use your power.

I’m going to a protest tomorrow. Not because I think it will change the minds of people in charge, but because I want everyone to know I am pissed and I am here and I am going to use every opportunity to change this. I want people like me to know they are not alone. I want my body to learn on a cellular level that I do not accept learned helplessness, I can always find a way to fight.

We can’t stop at impeachment. We can’t stop until people go to jail for what they’ve done.

And then, my beloved superheroes, recharge yourselves. Go watch the trailer for Mr. Rogers’ documentary. Go watch him in the 1969 Senate hearing. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s performance at the White House Poetry Jam,  then his wedding toast. Share something you love . Stand up for it.