Word of the Week: Rage

It’s not just you—rage has been floating around a lot these past few years.

• Rage applying for jobs when you’re tired of rejection.

• Rage quitting when the workplace is unbearable.

• Rage weeding when you’ve had one too many “I can’t control anything but this dandelion” moments.
  

Rage has become its own verb, a shorthand for what happens when the pot boils over and you need a release. It’s not always graceful. It’s not always “productive.”

But it is human.

Why Rage Matters

At MDW, we like to look at words beyond their memes. Rage is more than a punchline—it’s information.

It’s your body and mind saying: something isn’t right here.

We’re conditioned to smooth things over, to be “pleasant,” to swallow down the lump in our throats. But ignoring rage doesn’t make it disappear—it just redirects it inward. And that’s when we start blaming ourselves instead of addressing what’s actually fueling the fire.

A Few Prompts to Unpack Rage

When rage shows up, instead of running from it, try writing it out:

• What exactly set me off in this moment?

• Is my anger about this thing or about a bigger pattern?

• What boundary of mine is being crossed?

• Does my rage feel protective, frustrated, scared—or all of the above?

  
  

Sometimes the act of putting words to the heat is enough to cool it a bit.

When Rage Isn’t “Fixable”

Here’s the hard truth: sometimes your rage is pointing at something you can’t immediately solve.

• You can’t journal away systemic injustice.

• You can’t deep-breath your way out of your rights being threatened.

• You can’t positive-think your way past a broken system.

In those moments, coping skills might feel insulting—like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.

What helps most?

Having people who will sit with you in it. Friends, community, spaces where someone nods and says, “Yes. You’re right to be furious.”

Because validation is a coping skill, too.

This Week’s Reminder

Rage isn’t something to fear or “fix.” It’s a signal. It’s a demand. It’s proof you still care, even when the world tells you to go numb.

So whether you rage weed, rage walk, rage write—or rage gather with women who get it—know that your anger has meaning.

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About the Author:

Elizabeth Rago is a storyteller, strategist, and community builder who’s equally at home writing compelling content or navigating teenage chaos with tea in hand.

A seasoned writer with 20+ years of experience across industries—from mental health and design to insurance and advocacy—she’s also the founder of MDW (The Modern Domestic Woman), a no-fluff resource hub for women in transition.

Whether she’s ghostwriting for execs or spotlighting small-town gems, Elizabeth brings heart, humor, and a fierce belief in the power of connection. Learn more at MDWcares.com or find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.