John Lennon - Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans

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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is September 20th.

Now, it’s not just any day—it’s National Fried Rice Day! Yes, you heard that right, a day dedicated to one of the best dishes you can ever throw together in a hurry. A little bit of rice, some veggies, maybe an egg or two, and a dash of soy sauce, and voila—you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.

It’s a humble dish that’s all about mixing things up and turning leftovers into something delicious. That brings me to today’s quote, one I think pairs perfectly with the theme of fried rice and life’s ability to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.

It is from John Lennon, one of the Beattles... who once said:

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”

It’s one of the most searched and well-known quotes out there, and for good reason. Think about it: just like fried rice, life is often about taking whatever is in front of you and turning it into something unexpectedly satisfying.

You might plan a three-course meal, but sometimes, all you need is a simple stir-fry of whatever life throws your way. You see, in fried rice—and life—there’s a beauty in the mix. Some of the best things happen when plans go sideways, when you improvise with what’s available.

Maybe you were hoping for something grand, but you end up with something authentic, something real. And much like you don’t need fancy ingredients to make great fried rice, you don’t need perfect plans to create a meaningful life. It's those little unplanned moments, the spontaneous changes, that often become the most memorable.

So today, whether you’re enjoying a bowl of fried rice or just going about your day, remember—don’t stress about sticking to the plan too much. Sometimes the best moments come from mixing it up. That’s it for today’s episode of The Daily Quote. I’m Andrew McGivern, reminding you to embrace the unexpected and maybe even whip up some fried rice today. Have a fantastic day, and I’ll see you tomorrow for another Daily Quote.