What will be Your Legacy?

Like so many people, I’ve been feeling genuinely sad about the news surrounding James Van Der Beek.

And I think what’s surprising some people is just how personal it feels.

Because for many of us, Dawson’s Creek wasn’t just a TV show, it’s more like a time capsule.

It takes us back to a very specific season of life, when emotions felt bigger, friendships were everything and we were all trying to figure out who we were becoming. Those characters became part of growing up and those storylines became part of our own story.

That’s the power of nostalgia.

It reminds us of who we were and it brings us back to a place where life felt simpler, even when it wasn’t.

But beyond the fame and the cultural impact, what keeps standing out in the tributes I’ve been reading is something even more meaningful:

By all accounts, James Van Der Beek was a genuinely good human.

Someone who showed up with kindness and respected the people around him. Someone who made coworkers feel seen and valued.

And it’s a reminder I think we all need right now:

The way we treat people matters.

Not just when the cameras are on and we’re being watched. Not just when it benefits us. It’s the everyday moments that count.

So if your sad about his passing like me, and you want to pay tribute to him, collaborate with more heart. Speak to each other with compassion and empathy. Carry yourself with integrity when no one is keeping score.

Because long after the titles fade and the projects end, people remember how you made them feel. That’s the one thing they never, ever forget. So, make them feel good. Make them feel valued. Make them feel appreciated.

That’s your legacy. And that’s the good stuff worth showing up for.