@hankster In the small sense yes, I may overlook the odd peice of good fortune that comes my way. But in the big picture, though I have many failings, I do not think that I am one of those people who mistakes good fortune for something that I have earned or am owed. Indeed I am quite convinced that life has given me far more than I deserve or could even reasonably want.

@hankster Not at all, I found your post and comments most interesting.
But now I will stick my neck out and risk your ire, by saying that I think there may well be a cultural difference. In that on the American side of the Atlantic, it seems to me, there exists an attitude of believing that, what we have, is what we have earned and deserve. While in Europe it is much more likely that you will encounter people, who are ready to admit that they have far more than they have earned or deserve, in terms of wealth, health and happiness etc. and who would happily admit that happiness is not a state that you deserve as a natural right, but is merely a fortunate fluck for the fortunate few.

@hankster Perhaps you would kindly share your notion of what you mean when you say that things were mean't to be.

@hankster I take it that what you mean by mean't to be as only referring to the human domain as in intended.