It's been hard to stomach the news of Joan Rivers' death, but chances are she'd want everyone to remember her in happier times. Instead of sitting around and sulking (although, of course the sadness is warranted), she would probably want us to go hit up Outback Steakhouse right now. Huh? Well, she once said, "We all mourn in our own way. I mourn with a great steak." To each her own, right? I think the main point is that there are so many great things in life to celebrate, instead of dwelling on the difficult ones.
While this is undeniably a huge loss, it's worth thinking about all that Rivers has done in her life and how much joy she brought to others. After all, she always talked about how important it is to keep laughing. She once said: "Life is very tough. If you don't laugh, it's tough." This is a great piece of advice and is among the many lessons this comedian and fashion expert taught us in her 81 years.
Rivers did much more than just make us laugh. She left behind a legacy and footsteps in which we can follow. Here’s a round-up of her best advice and words to live by:
"Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century."
Joan definitely wasn't afraid to laugh at herself. In fact, she was the subject of many of her own jokes. It's an important reminder to never take yourself too seriously.
"I was smart enough to go through any door that opened."
Rivers was a woman of many memorable words, but I'd say this was one of her best pieces of advice: Take any opportunity that comes your way. She definitely didn't sit back and let chances pass her by. She hopped on any opportunity and this led to her successful 50-year career.
"I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking."
Modest would never be a word used to describe Joan. She made a career out of telling people what she really thinks. Sure, it may have occasionally gotten her in some trouble, but she never was shy about speaking her mind.
"First of all, don’t worry about the money. Love the process . . . And don’t settle. I don’t want to ever hear, 'It’s good enough.' Then it’s not good enough. . . . Also: Ignore your competition."
In 2012, Rivers wrote for Hollywood Reporter and gave advice to female comedians. She said it's harder for women to make it in the business, but they shouldn't give up. Her words apply not only to comedy, but to any profession.
"If there is a secret to being a comedian, it’s just loving what you do. It is my drug of choice. I don’t need real drugs. I don’t need liquor. It’s the joy that I get performing. That is my rush. I get it nowhere else."
This quote is from the same Hollywood Reporter essay. The underlying message here? Do what you love. If you're really pursuing your passion, nothing else matters. Find something that gives you that rush.
"I've learned to have absolutely no regrets about any jokes I've ever done."
Whether or not you're a comedian, the idea of living without regrets can apply to any situation.
"I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door — or I'll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present."
Always be optimistic. If someone says no to your dreams, find another way to make things happen.
"I have no methods. All I do is accept people as they are."
This may seem surprising, since she's known to critique others' appearance, but it's important to accept people for how they are. Self-acceptance is equally valuable and through her jokes, Rivers always showed she had that.
Images: Getty Images
