I think we understandably strive to be happy at all times. I also know that life will undoubtedly challenge this goal. With that said, it is my belief that "things always work themselves out". I don't know that I would go as far as to say there is a fate-guided part were all living, but I can see why someone would enjoy believing that; I mean, it feels good to recieve a gift .. to be "special" in some way, right ? I think because we refuse to be unhappy, we tend to assume that everything in our past didn't work out or every bad event went so wrong because we needed to be HERE,NOW... I see it more as, we are here and now because we chose to overcome to past negativity. We chose to make things happen for ourselves; to be happy. So yes, I mean, the past does directly effect our present and futures, however.. I'm not sure I believe its been predetermined.. that anything is meant to be. I don't think they're (past &present) related I'm that way. I think trials and tribulations happen for the mere reason that, life is going to inevitably have conflict.. and that conflict is then used,then, as a step to better ourseleves... Because there is no other option.. and that's what Lifes about you know ? Growing. Living.