Love Letter: A Lesson In Moving On For The New Year

'What Would Jennifer Do?'

Although we've made it to another new year, it's difficult not to feel stuck in the highs and lows of 2025.

I've been back home in Mississippi for the past few weeks, visiting family for the holidays. This year has proven to be a heavy one with the death of my older sister Amanda in August, following a years-long struggle with Lupus. Meanwhile, my dad has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer of unknown origin.

Don't worry, I'm not gonna spout off some faux wisdom about grieving or mental health. To be honest, I haven't even begun to process the tangled mess of emotions bouncing around in my own head. I just keep distracting myself with whatever presents itself: work, parties, friends, lovers, etc.

Not to say that 2025 was all bad. I've made some professional strides as an editor at Deadline that felt out of reach a year before. In my spare time, I've rediscovered writing as a personal joy as well. And I'm fortunate enough to be able to surround myself with a close chosen family that's helped me keep those moments in perspective amid the ongoing ups and downs.

I don't know what 2026 has in store, and I've mostly gotten over the ritualistic resolution-breaking "new year, new me" propaganda that comes with the holiday season. Instead, I feel like I've been on a constant journey of betterment in recent years that I just have to keep up into 2026, no matter how hard it seems at times.

So, if you happen to be reading this, just know that I'm taking the year one day at a time. And if it's too difficult to do the same, remember that nobody has the answers. We're all just getting through life the best way we know how.

Take it easy in 2026, and do what you need to do to keep moving.

Love,

Glenn