We 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.
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Live…Laugh…Love
Lori says
Amen for the negative results, Cathy. You’re right — statistics only matter when they’re affecting you directly.
Cathy says
Thanks, Lori. Even then, they don’t seem to matter in terms of what we feel. I appreciate you dropping by. 🙂
Anne Wayman says
whew! The trouble with stats is they don’t address just me. So hard to stay in the moment with those calls. hugs
Cathy says
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. 🙂
Kaylors says
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.
Cathy says
Well said, Kaylors. I like that view on life. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.