Do you make life happen, or does life happen to you? This is a classic question of "what came first the chicken or the egg?" Do we make life happen through our decisions, motivations and actions, or does it just happen to us?
I think we all know from experience that it is a blend of the two. You'll find schools of thought that believe everything is driven from decisions, while there are others that tell you that you magnetize all that comes into your life. I think if you choose to drink too much or take drugs and bad things happen to you like losing a job or car accidents because of an impaired mind, they would be a result of the choices you are making in your life. If you work hard, are dedicated and proactive and receive a promotion, that is also life happening as a result of your decisions.
On the other hand, if you are a runner in the 2013 Boston Marathon when the bombing happened, then that is clearly something that happened to you. I have a hard time believing all those people attracted disaster into their lives because they were on the wrong frequency. Sometimes, bad things happen to you in order to help you learn and expand as a person. We don't always like the experience, but we can become better people as a result. At the same time delightful things may happen to you like someone letting you pass in traffic or winning a prize.
If you approach challenges with the right attitude, time will help process the wounds. Most of us who have experienced a major tragedy, find some way to be grateful for it, or parts of it, in the long run. I know I don't wish them and try to avoid challenges by making quality decisions. In the event of uninvited challenges and tragedy, I hope people have the love, help and support to see them through. It is essential to healing and brings the power of love to life in all of its exuberance.
I encourage you to choose life and love every step of the way because you can!