Burnt Benny Toast: The Burnt Toast Theory

Sometimes life burns your toast.

You’re rushing out the door, ready to take on the day, and then—bam—the toast is black. Instant frustration. You’re late, annoyed, and wondering why life couldn’t just give you a break.

But here’s the thing: what if that burnt toast was actually saving you? Maybe the delay meant you avoided a car accident. Maybe it gave you just enough pause to remember the file you would’ve left on the counter. Maybe it slowed you down so you could run into someone who changes your life.

That’s the heart of the Burnt Toast Theory: the detours, delays, and inconveniences aren’t punishments—they’re protection.

Enter Benny the Cat (a.k.a. Burnt Benny Toast)

Now, you might be wondering what a cat has to do with any of this.

This is Benny, my cat. After surgery, he needed a cone-of-shame collar. But instead of the typical plastic one, I got him something a little cuter—a loaf-of-bread-shaped collar. His little face peeking through the “bread” was hilarious and adorable all at once.

One day, I was coaching a client and explaining the Burnt Toast Theory. To lighten the moment, I pulled up a picture of Benny in his bread collar. We laughed so hard, and I said, “You know what? I should turn him into burnt toast so you’ll always remember this theory.”

And just like that, Benny became the official mascot for the Burnt Toast Theory.

Why It Matters

Life throws curveballs all the time—traffic jams, canceled plans, burnt toast, or even bigger setbacks. But if you zoom out, sometimes those “inconveniences” are exactly what keep you safe, redirect you toward better opportunities, or remind you to slow down.

Benny in burnt toast form is your cue to trust the timing. To remember that even when things feel frustrating or out of sync, it doesn’t mean life is against you.

It’s all unfolding perfectly.

Your Turn

Next time your toast burns (literally or metaphorically), instead of spiraling into frustration, ask yourself:

• What might this delay be saving me from?
• What new opportunity could this open up?
• How can I trust that this is protection, not punishment?

And if you need a visual, just picture Benny’s little face popping out of a loaf of bread. Trust me—it’s hard to stay mad when you think of that.

Take Benny With You

If you want your very own reminder to trust the timing (and smile when life feels inconvenient), you can grab a Burnt Benny Toast sticker in the shop. Stick it on your water bottle, laptop, or journal—and let it be your daily nudge that it’s all unfolding perfectly.
 

GET YOUR BURNT BENNY TOAST HERE!