Today, I had planned to write about violence and jealousy in couples.

But as we mark an important day in our Christian Orthodox tradition — the Ascension — I changed my mind.

Today is about us being human, with all that it entails.

Being human comes with a lot: responsibility , the beauty of thought and the anxiety it brings, the beauty of love , frustration and pain , memories , choices , and personal agency .

Let’s not forget:

We all have a soul. Psychology calls it the Self — our chance in this imperfect world .

We are not victims. Even in hard times, we still have choices

Morality still matters. We have a conscience — most of us — and it will catch up with us, sooner or later .

Pleasure, happiness, and well-being are important . But there are deeper things that truly make us human .

Dignity still stands. Don’t trade it for glitter that fades .

Don’t believe everything you’re told. Never stop thinking for yourself .