To wonder if some people really do cruise through life without a hitch?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

Of course everyone has their own particular challenges. But the scale of them seems to differ a lot.

Lying here recovering from my third low blood sugar of the day so probably just rambling really. But wondering why some people have really awful things like a child dying for example, then others just seem to have nothing but success. Then lots of folk in the middle, where I would situate myself.

Do you feel like you've breezed through life? Or the opposite, or somewhere inbetween?

I think a lot depends on your perception of your own life.

For instance, I'm a single parent by choice. Sometimes it's hard but overall I'm very happy with this choice, my son is amazing and I don't have to deal with a rubbish ex-partner or visitation rights. But I'm sure other people would feel differently about this, maybe they'd just be sad they didn't have a partner or regret having a child on their own.

I also applied for lots of jobs I didn't get - but now I see this as lucky, if I got those jobs I'd never have got my current job.

I had a huge fight with my mother and we'll probably never fully mend our relationship. I see this as fortunate because it allowed me to become my own person, to own my choices and to worry less about what my family or anyone thinks of me.

I could go on but you get my drift. There are many situations in life when it's up to you to see the silver lining and make your peace with the challenges you have to overcome.

That said I fully acknowledge that there are also situations where there is no upside, such as losing a child/family/friend, or getting a chronic illness, etc. That isn't fair but it's just the randomness of life.

This totally. What I can't stand is people who have no idea how good they have it judging other people. And it seems so unfair and heartbreaking that people with abusive childhoods then often go on to have abusive marriages. I understand why and call me naive but I wish people got their fairytale.

I must admit that life had been a breeze up until the age of about 45 and I didn't realise how lucky I was. Good health was down to my lifestyle choices, having a well paid job was because of my own efforts and smart decisions etc. It wasn't about luck - good things come to those who've earned them.

Then it all came crashing down. DP got cancer; accident leaves DS permanently brain damaged; I got fired as I couldn't look after them both and do my job.

Life can just kick you in the face sometimes.

No one gets an easy ride . Some are just more vocal than others .