Sometimes, such things are done intentionally, but most of the time its just coincidence.
The latter part is what some people have hard time getting their head wrapped around. I think its due to the fact that we believe we have more control of our lives then we actually do. Saying opposite won't make you popular, because it doesn't feel good to admit you have little control.
The thing is though, we have all experienced this personally. It seems just at the right time bad or good things happen. Like we are the center of the world or something.
But, its just like the business cycle. Sometimes it happens because it happens.