[Albion Wilde]

You evidently have a genetic potential, some or all of which has been realized by forms of adversity (nurture). All the rest seems to be a story about the forms of nurture you experienced. I wouldn't be too bitter about it, though. Some don't even have the potential.

I hope I didn't sound bitter in the bad sense, but only in the sense that wine is more pungent than juice.

Funny, I have never thought of the bad experiences as "nurture", but rather as "environment." To me, "nurture" is more about the love and acceptance, encouragement and support of family, teachers, coaches, and community.

My main point is that many of us do not fit the European-American male template of education, self-image, career path or the timing of various rites of passage, yet have different abilities to learn and grow, and shouldn't be counted out or dismissed without proof. I often think of the Aesop's fable of the tortoise and the hare.

[William Terrell]

In my view, nurture is any influence in the life you have after birth that forces or encourages you to exercise your potential.

I'd say treasure the adversity as the fastest, most efficient and most thorough way to squeeze out the old genetic juice.

Thought not the least painful.