VINDICATED DEFINITION:Being proven right, absolved of guilt, or set free PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Standing tall Holding one’s head high The chest being thrust out proudly Drawing big, chest-expanding breaths Throwing one’s head back with the eyes closed, relishing the moment Smiling easily and broadly Laying a fist over one’s heart and keeping it there for a moment Using the hands to cover one’s smile, as if afraid to let it out Shedding happy tears Dancing or jumping in place Nodding or closing the eyes while pressing together one’s trembling lips Celebrating with loved ones (hugging, grabbing them, spinning them around, etc.) Whooping and yelling Clapping one’s hands The posture sagging (tension letting go) before stiffening again to support the body Speaking in a louder, brighter tone Having an open body posture (arms flung out wide, legs apart, head thrown back, etc.) Taunting one’s enemies; rubbing the victory in their faces Bowing one’s head in a silent prayer of thanks Feeling jittery in one’s extremities Pumping the fists Taking a victory lap Squatting down and hugging oneself Expressing cautious hope (if one is skeptical and has been disappointed before) Constant smiling The voice rising in pitch Pursuing goals or dreams one was previously afraid to go after Speaking out in circumstances where one wasn’t previously comfortable doing so INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A rush of adrenaline Heart flutters Feeling highly energetic; needing to move A lack of sleepiness A sense of exhaustion as the realization hits that one can finally rest in safety and peace Euphoria Being washed with a wave of peace and contentment The face feeling stretched from nonstop smiling MENTAL RESPONSES: Having an optimistic outlook The world looking suddenly brighter and more beautiful Noticing details one missed before Scattered thoughts Difficulty focusing on any one thing A renewed sense of faith in God, humanity, the system, etc. A cessation of fear at the realization that the future is brighter for oneself and one’s children ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Becoming braver; taking on opposition or challenges one wouldn’t have before Attempting to help others who might need vindicating Seeking further reparations Increased self-confidence Positive personal changes (eating healthier, taking time for oneself, etc.) Getting cocky Becoming an inspiration for others Thinking about the future when one was previously unable to do so SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: A hidden smile that keeps trying to break through Forcing one’s body to be still Clasping one’s hands to keep them from twitching Keeping the head down to hide any telltale signs Taking calming breaths Turning away or making a quick exit Biting one’s lip to keep from speaking Lessened productivity due to the distraction of this meaningful victory Sharing darting glances with the people who are on one’s side MAY ESCALATE TO:Confidence,Euphoria,Satisfaction,Fearlessness MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Anger,Defeat,Despair,Determination,Disappointment,Discouraged,Disillusionment,Emasculated,Frustration,Hopefulness,Powerlessness,Resentment,Resignation,Skepticism ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Beam, celebrate, clasp, congratulate dance, expand, flourish, give thanks hug, jump, party, revel sag, shout, sigh, swell whirl, whoop WRITER’S TIP:Some emotions, like confusion, should be shorter-lived or paired with another feeling. If the POV character is disoriented for too long, readers may struggle to follow what’s happening in the scene.