When Statistics Don’t Matter

by | Feb 21, 2013 | Miller Musings | 6 comments

bigstock-Live-life-handwritten-in-sand--19587326We rationalize life events with the odds stacked on our side.

  • Most people do this
  • The majority do that
  • Chances are, I’m right

When I received the dreaded call-back on the heels of my mammogram, I knew the odds.

Statistics were on my side.

  • Only 8% to 10% of call-backs require a biopsy
  • 80% of those biopsies will be benign

Sometimes, statistics don’t matter.

Cosmic Joke

Although I should know better, I couldn’t help viewing this event as God’s little joke.

With 2013 being the 10th anniversary of my Fight Like A Girl team’s participation in the 3-Day Walk for the Cure, was I going to be the next team member diagnosed with breast cancer?

Turns out – statistics were on my side.

Further tests proved negative.

But, I couldn’t help but think how little statistics matter.

  • To those diagnosed with cancer
  • To parents of a sick child
  • To survivors who beat the odds

Statistics are just numbers.

What’s in our heart is what matters most.

Live life to its fullest.

=================

Live…Laugh…Love

BigStock Photo Credit

 

T-shirt that says Old is a 4-letter word

Visit the Old Lady Biz Store

Check out fun merchandise that shares a passion for Reading, Writing, and Walking with a sprinkle of Old Lady Humor.

The Old Lady Biz Store – smiles for all ages.

6 Comments

  1. Lori

    Amen for the negative results, Cathy. You’re right — statistics only matter when they’re affecting you directly.

    Reply
    • Cathy

      Thanks, Lori. Even then, they don’t seem to matter in terms of what we feel. I appreciate you dropping by. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Anne Wayman

    whew! The trouble with stats is they don’t address just me. So hard to stay in the moment with those calls. hugs

    Reply
    • Cathy

      Whew is right, Anne. 😉 I’ve always said with numbers & stats, there are so many ways you can spin them. Thanks for the words & hugs, Anne. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kaylors

    Nice read, so many people live their lives by what other people do and what everyone else things. I definitely dont think its the way to go and if anything I go against that common trend after been few a few hard times and having time to think about the decisions I made to get there.

    Just because the last 100 people suffered because of an illness does not mean a cure will not be found tomorrow and that 100% suffer rate could flip to 100% survival overnight.

    Reply
    • Cathy

      Well said, Kaylors. I like that view on life. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sign up for updates

Old Lady Biz News

Sign up for updates on the latest store products, posts, and news. I promise I won't bombard you with emails.