When I went to Phyllis Diller’s home in Los Angeles a few years ago, the groundbreaking comedian was already a nonagenarian but still had that hearty laugh. Oh, that laugh. That wonderfully, raucous, bellowing laugh, so full of life.

Over the years Diller had begun painting, and became quite good at it. I was able to obtain an original work, emblazoned by some very good advice: “Happiness is a habit. Cultivate it.” Sage. It hangs in my home to this day, encouraging me to forge ahead with a smile.

Sitting in the entranceway of her home was a large, marvelous painting of an empty stage. Just a stool and a microphone, lit by a spotlight. As a comedian, this piece really spoke to me; the loneliness of the stage as it waits simultaneously for a comedian to fulfill its own purpose and also to heal the loneliness of the comic, two codependent peas in a pod. “Oh, you like that,” she noted. “When you get a TV show, that’s for you.”

Sure, I missed out on holding her to the bargain, but I know it was just a case of a legend doing her thing to encourage a younger member of her trade. To encourage me to forge ahead. With a smile. That’s exactly how awesome Phyllis Diller was.

Remember to cultivate your happiness, everybody.

She said, “Let’s take a picture by these books. It makes you look smarter.”