Nature, Nurture, and a little bit of Maturity by Jen Cudmore

Nature, Nurture, and a little bit of Maturity by Jen Cudmore

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." Charles R. Swindoll

                 "Nature vs. Nurture" is an argument that has stumped people for ages. How much of our identity is shaped by the personality we were given at birth, and how much is influenced by the way we were raised? I remember discussing this argument in one of my psychology classes in college. The final answer seems to be that it differs for each person; some are more dominated by nature and others by how they were nurtured.

                 Our reactions, which we choose, play a big part in quality of life. As proven by statistics, if we are positive and loving in how we respond, we’re more likely to be content and happy. And as we get older and learn from our mistakes (another choice!), we’re less likely to respond in a negative manner.

                 The nature /nurture topic struck me as I was working on my origin story for the San Francisco Wedding Planner series. These installments are due out this month! As you delve into the backgrounds of Heather, Bryan, Indigo, Gloria, and Skye, you’ll see how nature, nurture, and maturing over time has shaped each character.  

Here is the opening to the story I wrote about Bryan and how he ended up in San Francisco.

                "Bro! Over here!"

                Bryan Tate swiveled on his heels at the sound of his brother's voice bellowing across the airport terminal. Raul charged toward him, white teeth gleaming nearly as much as the mass of gold necklaces about his neck.

                "I thought you were gonna meet me at the curb," Bryan said.

                "No way!" Raul threw his arms around Bryan and squeezed. "It's been too long, man!"

                The smell of cologne wafted over Bryan and he tried not to gag. Ignoring the raised eyebrows of those nearby, Bryan patted Raul's back and stepped away. While he wasn't much for PDA, he was glad to see his only sibling for the first time in over a year. They had separate mothers and for the most part separate childhoods. Yet despite their differences, they'd kept in contact over the years.

                Raul scanned him up and down. "A flannel? Really?" He gave Bryan a pained expression.

                Bryan glanced down at his blue and green flannel over top a plain navy T-shirt. "What's wrong with it?"

                With a shake of the head, Raul tsked. "We'll have to do some shopping while you are here."

Jen Cudmore’s Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Cudmore/e/B00D9EMQ7Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1407417971&sr=1-2-ent