Real Talk 18th July 2024 by Aoife CodyKane
What Is Burnt Toast Theory, And How Can It Change Your Outlook?
It's not a theory, but it is a good philosophy.
Another day, another TikTok theory!
The burnt toast theory is one of those that’s been floating around the app gaining traction, and like the many before it, it’s not really a legitimate theory.
However, it is a pretty good philosophy about how to have a positive outlook on life, and we’ve found ourselves suddenly on board with the thought of burnt toast.
Let us explain!
The burnt toast theory comes from the concept that when something small goes wrong in your life, it’s the universe saving you from a much worse fate; or preparing you for something amazing!
@offthe__grid Monday morning thoughts… shoutout to the internet for sharing this wisdom so passing it along 💖❤️🩹 #therapytiktok #advice #anxiousattachment #fyp ♬ original sound – faye
TikTok user Ingrid (@offthe__grid) got the conversation going viral on TikTok, after she used burnt toast as an example.
Ingrid explained to her followers, “Burnt toast theory is the idea that if you burn your toast before work and it adds five to 10 minutes to your trip, it’s actually saving you from something catastrophic.”
“Maybe saving you from a car accident,” she continues, “maybe saving me from someone who you don’t want to run into.
“But this is the idea that inconveniences in our lives, or when something releases us in the universe, it’s either saving us from something more detrimental, or pushing us in the direction that we need to go in.”
Ingrid goes on to explain that this is why she doesn’t let the little things in life get to her; creating a more positive approach to life’s ups and downs.
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“Adopting this, and really thinking about it when I might be upset about something that is out of my control, has really grounded me and allowed me to just have a little bit more peace in my life.”
Okay, we’re liking this! The best part about the burnt toast theory, is that it’s a reminder of the bigger picture.
If your toast does burn, or you get a parking ticket, or your bestie cancels plans; that’s really not too much of an issue in the grand scheme of things.
Of course, it’s okay to be frustrated or upset when something goes wrong. But if you find you can’t shake the feeling that the world is against you, the burnt toast theory might be a great way to re-frame your perspective.
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Maybe, your toast burned because your boss was on a rager this morning and you narrowly avoided his wrath.
Maybe, your parking ticket fine saved you from buying that new pair of boots that were actually going to split down the seams on your next night out!
Maybe, your bestie cancelled plans so the universe could make your next hang out even better for you both.
And hey, maybe not.
You might just be having an unlucky one. At the end of the day, a bad moment doesn’t make a bad day, and a bad day doesn’t make a bad life.
Next time it happens, just have cereal!