ALL of us in Journal

are trauma survivors.
Idk when I began to feel an annoyance at the self-proclamation that one is a “trauma survivor”. It speaks to me like someone wearing a wound on their forehead. It speaks of someone surrounded by their tormentors. It speaks of someone still choosing trauma. Because, what self-actualized person allows themselves to be wounded without tending to those wounds? What does dependence on abusers look like but the proud flaunting of abuse?
There is really nothing more cringe to me than a person who announces that he/she is a good person. Someone I know that does this all the time, ie, BIL’s BM, is always and forever exclaiming that she is a good mother. Inexplicably and without cause. If ever I needed evidence that one who announces value about themselves is explicitly lacking that value, then there it is. Because I know that being a good mother is excruciatingly difficult, I would not disrespect that effort by meaninglessly claiming it with mere words. I leave it to others to observe and acknowledge, if it is valuable enough to be acknowledged.
And this isn’t just my preference. So many make the mistake of claiming, again with mere assertions, that it’s my preference to value certain things or certain ways, and that everyone is different and has their own value to bring. Sorry, but no. That is incorrect. Value is objective. Value is the same as explicit action. By expressing a preference, one behaves as if, and believes, that it is better to correct someone who is incorrect. They are inherently expressing the value of objective truth over falsehood.
And so, if the truth is inherently valuable, then anyone who simultaneously argues that value is subjective is incorrect. And it is that simple.
Why is it annoying? I don’t suppose the annoyance is a problem as long as the choice of association is still free. The annoyance is a warning sign, to me, to steer clear. A red flag, if you like, to get away, stay away, and look elsewhere for the value I seek. Which is useful. Which is, as far as I can tell, a boon and a value to me so as not to waste precious time.