Weird theory leads to a moment of stillness

Published 12:30 pm Thursday, September 4, 2025

Do you believe in signs or think everything happens for a reason? Or in the ‘burnt toast’ theory? This metaphor suggests that minor daily inconveniences, such as burning toast, might actually be beneficial, potentially preventing worse outcomes or leading to positive opportunities, such as avoiding an accident or meeting someone new.

This theory encourages reframing negative situations by trusting that setbacks can serve a purpose and contribute to personal growth and a more positive outlook on life. 

I don’t know about all these different theories, but it is nice to think positively. Maybe there is something to the burnt toast theory, maybe not, but being optimistic is a good thing.

Growing up my mom would always tell us that if we saw a red cardinal that someone in heaven was thinking of us, like a little messenger from a departed loved one. This for me is a bit of a stretch, but I appreciate the sign of comfort and hope. 

My mom used to always also say that if we found a dime, it was also a spiritual message from a loved one. I would always roll my eyes when she would say that but the other day, while cleaning the laundromat at our campground, there were two shiny dimes just sitting alone on the counter.

Our laundry machines don’t take dimes, so the logical answer was that someone just threw them there, useless to them in the moment. But it instantly made me think of my grandparents, my mom’s parents, who have both passed away.

It might be silly, but maybe my mom was on to something. I don’t really think my grandparents were sending me a message, but it made me stop and think about them for a couple of minutes.

I was very young when my grandfather died, but had a lot of good quality time with my grandmother. I smiled recalling playing in her jewellery box, using her nail polish and trying on her fur coat.

I have such fond memories in her old house, the basement with lots of closets and nooks to play in with my cousins, the pool table we weren’t allowed to touch but did anyway.

She had boxes and boxes of old National Geographic magazines that I loved to flip through. I had a good childhood, full of lovely memories.

So now, I am 20 cents richer and had a moment of stillness, which is worth much more than a couple of dimes.