James Van Der Beek began his New Year in Texas with a message that immediately stood out. Not because it offered bold resolutions or dramatic announcements, but because it invited people to slow down.
Instead of charging ahead with the usual January pressure, the Dawson’s Creek alum gently questioned whether the calendar, not our willpower, might be the real problem. His words hinted at a deeper personal reason for stepping back, one that would soon come into focus amid his battle with stage 3 cancer.
In mid-January, Van Der Beek shared a candid video message reflecting on why so many people struggle to keep New Year’s resolutions. According to Star Magazine, rather than blaming motivation or discipline, he suggested that the timing itself feels off.
Winter, he explained, is a season when nature pulls inward. Animals rest, days grow shorter, and the world seems to ask for patience rather than productivity. Expecting dramatic personal reinvention during this quiet, cold stretch may be unrealistic.
I’m gonna say screw it,” he concluded. “I’m gonna take the winter to recover, to rest, and I’m gonna make New Year’s resolutions in the spring. Why are we fighting nature?”
James Van Der Beek Sends Hope from Texas By Rethinking the Meaning of a New Beginning
Instead of forcing himself to push forward, James shared that he is choosing to honor the season as it is. Winter, in his view, is meant for recovery and restoration, not relentless self-improvement. He floated the idea that spring, when life naturally reawakens. To him, it makes far more sense for fresh goals and renewed momentum. Until then, he plans to rest and allow his body and mind the time they need to rest, recover, and heal.
Over the years, James Van Der Beek has built a career that spans television, film, and reality competition. He became a household name through his role on Dawson’s Creek. A series that defined an era of television and introduced him to a global audience.
Since then, he has continued to evolve, taking on varied roles and appearing in projects that showcase both dramatic depth and self-aware humor. His time on Dancing with the Stars further revealed his willingness to step outside familiar territory and embrace new challenges.
Behind his reflective tone lies a very real and ongoing health journey. In November 2024, Van Der Beek revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. Since then, he has been open about the physical and emotional demands of treatment. He has spoken about feeling gradual improvement month by month. All the while acknowledging that the process has required more patience, discipline, and inner strength than he ever expected.
A Personal Battle That Changed His Perspective
As part of managing the financial weight of treatment, the actor later shared that he was auctioning off memorabilia from his career, with all proceeds going directly toward covering cancer-related expenses. His openness has been measured and sincere, focused less on fear and more on resilience.
What resonates most in Van Der Beek’s message is its kindness and faith. Both toward himself and others. By permitting himself to rest this winter, he is also offering that permission to anyone feeling worn down by expectations they can’t meet. His belief that healing, reflection, and quiet strength matter just as much as ambition reframes the way many think about success.
James Van Der Beek’s decision to pause rather than push forward is not a retreat. It’s a deliberate act of self-respect and healing. From his home in Texas, he’s reminding people that growth doesn’t always look like action. Sometimes, it looks like rest, patience, and trusting that renewal will come when the season is right. And to be honest, we could all use a little of James’ positivity and encouragement these days.
Lola Wheeler 
Nina Franklin 
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