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  "path": "/james-van-der-beek-resolutions",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-12T17:06:05.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.upworthy.com",
  "tags": [
    "Cancer",
    "Cancer treatment",
    "Colorectal cancer",
    "Dawsons creek",
    "Healing",
    "James van der beek",
    "James van der beek cancer",
    "James van der beek death",
    "New year",
    "New years resolutions",
    "Hope",
    "_James Van Der Beek_",
    "_cancer._",
    "_sell off_",
    "_cancer_",
    "See on Instagram",
    "Gregorian calendar",
    "See on Instagram",
    "See on Instagram"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\n_James Van Der Beek_, best known for his roles in __Dawson's Creek__ and __Varsity Blues__ , has died at the age of 48 after a journey with stage 3 colorectal _cancer._\n\nSince November of 2024, the actor has been open about some of the struggles he’s faced with the diagnosis, including having to _sell off_ much of his iconic memorabilia to pay off his _cancer_ treatment.\n\nAnd yet, Van Der Beek still left the world on perhaps a grounded, somewhat hopeful note, as indicated by the undeniably profound message he made in an Instagram video, posted a mere few weeks before his death.\n\nUsing his signature down-to-earth, friendly sense of humor, Van Der Beek spoke directly to the camera as he asked the essential question: “Why are we celebrating a new year in the dead of winter? Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests?\"\n\n> See on Instagram\n\n“Animals are hibernating, birds fly south for the winter,” he continued. “The time to celebrate new beginnings, and a new year, and a new you and a new resolution is spring at the vernal equinox, when the flowers bloom and it gets warmer and the birds return.”\n\nHe then quipped that the Gregorian calendar, which marks a new year in the winter, goes against nature, and therefore makes “absolutely no sense.”\n\n“In the winter, the days are shorter and the nights are longer,” he wrote in his caption. “But instead of being reminded how perfect this season is for cocooning, eating stew, snuggling and sleeping… why are we being told this is the time to buy a gym membership?”\n\n> See on Instagram\n\nSo, to anyone having trouble keeping to those New Year’s resolutions, Van Der Beek assured, “I don’t think it’s your fault” and offered a different solution: viewing spring as the start of the new year.\n\n“I’m gonna say screw it,” he said. “I’m gonna take the winter to recover, to rest and I’m gonna make New Year’s resolutions in the spring. Who’s with me?”\n\nObviously, the video hits differently now…the optimism a little bittersweet. But it's nonetheless a huge testament to how he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” as his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek wrote.\n\n> See on Instagram\n\n“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” she added.\n\nIt’s wisdom that still rings true. We can force ourselves to go against nature. Or we can follow in Van Der Beek’s footsteps and give ourselves the grace to let nature work through us, to trust in our inherent worthiness, and to take time to heal. This is just one of many wonderful contributions that he’s given to us all, and he will be deeply missed.",
  "title": "James Van Der Beek shared his hopes for the spring weeks before his death, and it's beautiful"
}