Burnt toast and letting it all fall into place

I read something the other day about a concept called the "burnt toast theory". The theory goes something like, if you burn your toast before work and it adds 5-10 minutes to your morning, those 5-10 minutes might be saving you from something catastrophic that was going to happen, such as a car accident or running into someone you don't want to see. In short, the idea of being in the right place, at the right time, under ideal circumstances.

This goes hand-in hand with a different analogy that someone shared with me which goes something like "you don't catch a flight by running for it" which means that the work and preparation you put into something is what will bring you the results you desire. All in good time and when it makes sense.

I saw an old friend last night that I hadn't seen in over a year. The reality is that she lives across the province and seeing each other has become more and more of a challenge over the years. The last time we were together was to celebrate the wedding of a mutual friend. Last night was the first time in probably years that we were able to have some one-on-one time and really get to talk about everything that is going on in each of our lives, our plans for the future and all of the memories we've gathered since our last face-to-face encounter.

Above all, we talked about our personal growth. We reminisced on our first few years of knowing each other, our first loves, the good times, the hardships, the trips, all the cool stuff we've done over the years. We talked about our most recent accomplishments, the good people in our lives that keep us going and thriving. It felt good to be in an environment where I knew exactly who I was sitting across, but a version that has gone through so much in the last decade. It also felt good to know that I too, am in a good place in life, with lots of accomplishments to talk about and an immense gratitude for who I was and who I have become.

While it sucks to know that life often gets in the way and these catch ups happen less and less, it feels just as good to know that we can pick up where we left off with nothing but love for one another and the best of wishes for each other.

After three hugs that I wished would last a little longer, I started walking back to my car in search of home. I passed the big Toronto sign in front of city hall and I thought back to the trip we took back in November 2017. I remembered the immense love I had for the city, the airbnb above a Mary Brown's chicken place, and the very selfies I took with the Toronto sign when I was nothing but a tourist. It really felt surreal to think about a time when I was actually just a tourist and Toronto was the place I longed to escape to whenever I had some time, money and a friend to join me.

As I started my car and drove down Dundas towards the DVP, I thought to myself to a time when the gps was a necessity, the DVP was a highway I navigated only as a passenger princess and the way my heart literally skipped a beat every single time I had an unobstructed view of the CN tower. To think that up until four years ago, that was my reality.

Sometimes reminiscing can leave a bit of an empty spot in your heart for all that you may have lost in time. This time around, my heart felt immensely full of love for myself, for all that I was able to accomplish, for my friends and family because they stuck around and encouraged me time and time again to keep glowing and growing, and for all of those who I have lost in time and whose absence in my life has brought me peace. I really wouldn't be where I am today had the above not happened.

With a full heart and a world of gratitude to give, I thank you all for coming to my Cez talk xo