Dec. 30, 2024
The Last Week
An intimate look at the final week of the year, exploring how these days bridge past and future while holding their own special magic. Through observations of community rituals and personal reflections, Olivia examines how we honor endings while...
An intimate look at the final week of the year, exploring how these days bridge past and future while holding their own special magic. Through observations of community rituals and personal reflections, Olivia examines how we honor endings while preparing for new beginnings.
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
We now have Merch! FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com
Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com
WEBVTT
1
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:13.400
Ah Calarucas Shock Media. Hi everyone, I'm Olivia and welcome
2
00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:16.640
to today's five Minutes of Gratitude, where we're reflecting on
3
00:00:16.679 --> 00:00:19.320
this last week of the year, a time that feels
4
00:00:19.320 --> 00:00:23.000
both like a gentle ending and a whispered beginning. Before
5
00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:25.879
we settle into this special moment, I want to mention
6
00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:29.640
that if you'd like to experience these gratitude moments without interruption,
7
00:00:30.199 --> 00:00:32.719
you'll find details about our commercial free version in the
8
00:00:32.719 --> 00:00:37.960
show notes. These final days of December have their own
9
00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:41.840
particular rhythm, don't they. It's a gentler pace than the
10
00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:45.359
holiday rush, but charged with a different kind of energy,
11
00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:49.719
like the quiet anticipation before a symphony begins, when the
12
00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:53.759
musicians are taking their places but haven't yet lifted their instruments.
13
00:00:54.759 --> 00:00:57.640
This morning, I watched people in my neighborhood moving with
14
00:00:57.719 --> 00:01:01.560
that distinctive mix of post holiday relaxation and pre New
15
00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:05.120
Year purpose, as if they're both exhaling and gathering breath
16
00:01:05.159 --> 00:01:08.799
at the same time. Last weeks are such interesting things.
17
00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:12.359
They carry the weight of ending, but also the lightness
18
00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:15.760
of possibility, like a book with just enough pages left
19
00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:19.560
to surprise you. Walking through the farmer's market today, the
20
00:01:19.640 --> 00:01:22.359
last one of the year. I noticed how the vendors
21
00:01:22.359 --> 00:01:26.719
were simultaneously closing out their old inventory and talking excitedly
22
00:01:26.760 --> 00:01:31.280
about spring planting plans. Every conversation seemed to bridge past
23
00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:36.200
and future, each goodbye containing the seeds of hello. My
24
00:01:36.280 --> 00:01:39.760
favorite cafe, the Morning Glory, had a charming sign up
25
00:01:39.760 --> 00:01:44.640
this morning last week special same coffee, Extra dreams. Maria,
26
00:01:44.760 --> 00:01:46.920
the owner, told me she always makes her New Year's
27
00:01:46.920 --> 00:01:50.159
resolutions over this final weekend, not on New Year's Eve.
28
00:01:51.079 --> 00:01:55.000
It feels more honest somehow, she explained, stirring cinnamon into
29
00:01:55.040 --> 00:01:59.359
my latte, making plans while doing ordinary things, not just
30
00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:03.159
during celibs. Life happens in the small moments, you know.
31
00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:07.719
I love how this week naturally invites both reflection and dreaming.
32
00:02:09.120 --> 00:02:12.000
Yesterday I found my journal from last January and was
33
00:02:12.039 --> 00:02:14.840
amazed by how many small hopes had quietly come true
34
00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:18.199
without my even noticing the friend I wanted to reconnect with.
35
00:02:18.800 --> 00:02:21.159
We now have weekly coffee dates that have become a
36
00:02:21.240 --> 00:02:24.439
cherished anchor in my schedule. The garden I dreamed of
37
00:02:24.479 --> 00:02:27.719
starting it gave me tomatoes all summer and lessons in
38
00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:31.879
patience all year. Sometimes our dreams sneak up on us
39
00:02:32.199 --> 00:02:36.120
arriving in ordinary clothes instead of grand gestures. These last
40
00:02:36.159 --> 00:02:38.759
December days feel like reading the final chapters of a
41
00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:42.039
beloved book. You know the ending is coming, but you
42
00:02:42.120 --> 00:02:46.280
want to savor every word, every moment, every subtle shift
43
00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:50.080
of light and shadow. The Christmas lights still twinkling in
44
00:02:50.120 --> 00:02:53.960
windows seem more precious now knowing they'll soon be packed away.
45
00:02:54.759 --> 00:02:58.400
Even the winter sunlight feels special, gilding everything with a
46
00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:01.479
gentle goodbye as it slants through bare branches and frosted
47
00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:07.479
window panes. There's something beautiful about observing how differently people
48
00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:11.400
spend this weekend. Some are rushing to complete last minute goals,
49
00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:14.719
determined to end the year strong, like my friend James,
50
00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:18.000
who's finally finishing the children's book he's been writing all year.
51
00:03:18.639 --> 00:03:24.000
Others are intentionally slow, taking long walks, having lingering conversations
52
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:27.520
over coffee that's allowed to go cold, giving themselves permission
53
00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:31.159
to rest before the new year begins. Each approach holds
54
00:03:31.159 --> 00:03:34.039
its own wisdom, its own way of honoring the transition.
55
00:03:35.039 --> 00:03:38.439
I watched my neighbor, mister Chen, clearing his garden this morning,
56
00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:43.039
preparing the soil for its winter rest. His movements were careful,
57
00:03:43.319 --> 00:03:46.599
almost ceremonial, as he removed the last of the dried
58
00:03:46.639 --> 00:03:49.439
plants and smoothed the earth. The end of the year,
59
00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:52.560
he told me, pausing to lean on his rake, is
60
00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:54.360
when I thank my garden for what it gave me
61
00:03:54.800 --> 00:03:58.240
and imagine what it might become. What a lovely way
62
00:03:58.280 --> 00:04:02.199
to approach endings with gratitude for what was and hope
63
00:04:02.240 --> 00:04:05.960
for what might be, understanding that both are necessary parts
64
00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:09.680
of growth. Even the streets feel different this weekend, as
65
00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:13.840
if they're holding their breath between years. Shop windows transitioning
66
00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:17.040
from holiday displays to new year sales tell stories of
67
00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:20.879
endings and beginnings, of what we're leaving behind and what
68
00:04:20.920 --> 00:04:24.519
we're moving toward. Children on new Christmas bikes venture a
69
00:04:24.519 --> 00:04:28.399
little further each day, growing braver as they practice their
70
00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:31.759
wobbly determination, a perfect metaphor for how we all approach
71
00:04:31.839 --> 00:04:35.920
new beginnings. Year end celebrations mix with New Year preparations
72
00:04:35.959 --> 00:04:39.240
in a dance of completion and commencement, each step both
73
00:04:39.279 --> 00:04:42.519
an ending and a beginning. This is also a week
74
00:04:42.560 --> 00:04:47.040
of small personal ceremonies. Some we create ourselves, others we
75
00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:50.199
inherit or share with our communities. The last cup of
76
00:04:50.199 --> 00:04:53.759
holiday tea from a special tin, savored slowly while watching
77
00:04:53.800 --> 00:04:57.079
winter birds at the feeder. The final slice of Christmas
78
00:04:57.079 --> 00:05:00.839
cake shared with a friend who dropped by unexpectedly. The
79
00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:04.480
putting away of decorations, each one wrapped in memories until
80
00:05:04.480 --> 00:05:08.319
next year. Every ending marked with its own quiet acknowledgment,
81
00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:13.759
every transition honored in its own way more in a moment.
82
00:05:24.279 --> 00:05:28.319
Today's affirmation speaks to this powerful moment of transition. I
83
00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:32.319
honor endings and welcome beginnings with an open heart. Take
84
00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:34.879
a moment to really feel these words resonate within you.
85
00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:39.399
Like ripples spreading across still water. Each ending is also
86
00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:42.839
a doorway. Each goodbye contains the seed of a new hello.
87
00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:45.519
As we move through this last weekend of the year,
88
00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:48.800
we can appreciate both what we're completing and what we're
89
00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:52.240
about to begin, understanding that both are essential parts of
90
00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:55.959
our journey. Think about how these threshold moments remind us
91
00:05:55.959 --> 00:05:59.959
that life moves in cycles, not straight lines. Every ending
92
00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:03.000
and creates space for something new to emerge. Just as
93
00:06:03.040 --> 00:06:06.000
the bare branches of winter make way for springs first buds,
94
00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:09.680
every goodbye makes room for future hellos, like clearing a
95
00:06:09.720 --> 00:06:13.560
garden bed for next season's growth. When we approach transitions
96
00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:17.839
with gratitude and awareness, they become opportunities for growth and renewal,
97
00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:22.040
rather than moments of loss. Consider what you're completing as
98
00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:25.240
this year draws to a close. Perhaps there are goals
99
00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:28.639
you've achieved that deserve acknowledgment, or lessons you've learned that
100
00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:33.279
merit reflection. Maybe there are dreams that didn't quite materialize
101
00:06:33.399 --> 00:06:38.160
but taught you something valuable about patience or resilience. Each experience,
102
00:06:38.519 --> 00:06:42.279
whether perceived as success or setback, has contributed to who
103
00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:45.519
you are in this moment. Remember that you carry both
104
00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.680
the wisdom of what's ending and the potential of what's beginning.
105
00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:52.040
Like this last weekend of the year, you stand in
106
00:06:52.079 --> 00:06:56.360
a powerful place of possibility, holding both completion and commencement
107
00:06:56.439 --> 00:06:59.680
in your hands. Your experiences from the past year have
108
00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:02.560
prepared heard you for whatever lies ahead, even if you
109
00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:05.920
can't yet see the connection. Let's say our affirmation together
110
00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:09.000
one more time, letting its truth bridge past in future.
111
00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:12.720
I honor endings and welcome beginnings with an open heart.
112
00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:19.680
As you move through these final days of the year,
113
00:07:20.120 --> 00:07:22.680
I hope you'll find moments to both celebrate what you're
114
00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:26.759
completing and dream about what you're beginning. May you treat
115
00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:31.199
yourself with kindness during this transition, understanding that endings and
116
00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:36.720
beginnings often need different things from us, sometimes clarity, sometimes courage,
117
00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:41.759
sometimes simply rest. Thank you for sharing this special time
118
00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:45.120
of year with me until next year. May you find
119
00:07:45.160 --> 00:07:48.560
beauty in both endings and beginnings, and may your heart
120
00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:52.279
remain open to all the possibilities that transitions bring. This
121
00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:55.680
is Olivia, grateful for both what has been and what
122
00:07:55.759 --> 00:08:02.199
awaits one
1
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:13.400
2
00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:16.640
3
00:00:16.679 --> 00:00:19.320
4
00:00:19.320 --> 00:00:23.000
5
00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:25.879
6
00:00:26.160 --> 00:00:29.640
7
00:00:30.199 --> 00:00:32.719
8
00:00:32.719 --> 00:00:37.960
9
00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:41.840
10
00:00:41.880 --> 00:00:45.359
11
00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:49.719
12
00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:53.759
13
00:00:54.759 --> 00:00:57.640
14
00:00:57.719 --> 00:01:01.560
15
00:01:01.600 --> 00:01:05.120
16
00:01:05.159 --> 00:01:08.799
17
00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:12.359
18
00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:15.760
19
00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:19.560
20
00:01:19.640 --> 00:01:22.359
21
00:01:22.359 --> 00:01:26.719
22
00:01:26.760 --> 00:01:31.280
23
00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:36.200
24
00:01:36.280 --> 00:01:39.760
25
00:01:39.760 --> 00:01:44.640
26
00:01:44.760 --> 00:01:46.920
27
00:01:46.920 --> 00:01:50.159
28
00:01:51.079 --> 00:01:55.000
29
00:01:55.040 --> 00:01:59.359
30
00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:03.159
31
00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:07.719
32
00:02:09.120 --> 00:02:12.000
33
00:02:12.039 --> 00:02:14.840
34
00:02:14.840 --> 00:02:18.199
35
00:02:18.800 --> 00:02:21.159
36
00:02:21.240 --> 00:02:24.439
37
00:02:24.479 --> 00:02:27.719
38
00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:31.879
39
00:02:32.199 --> 00:02:36.120
40
00:02:36.159 --> 00:02:38.759
41
00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:42.039
42
00:02:42.120 --> 00:02:46.280
43
00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:50.080
44
00:02:50.120 --> 00:02:53.960
45
00:02:54.759 --> 00:02:58.400
46
00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:01.479
47
00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:07.479
48
00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:11.400
49
00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:14.719
50
00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:18.000
51
00:03:18.639 --> 00:03:24.000
52
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:27.520
53
00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:31.159
54
00:03:31.159 --> 00:03:34.039
55
00:03:35.039 --> 00:03:38.439
56
00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:43.039
57
00:03:43.319 --> 00:03:46.599
58
00:03:46.639 --> 00:03:49.439
59
00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:52.560
60
00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:54.360
61
00:03:54.800 --> 00:03:58.240
62
00:03:58.280 --> 00:04:02.199
63
00:04:02.240 --> 00:04:05.960
64
00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:09.680
65
00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:13.840
66
00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:17.040
67
00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:20.879
68
00:04:20.920 --> 00:04:24.519
69
00:04:24.519 --> 00:04:28.399
70
00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:31.759
71
00:04:31.839 --> 00:04:35.920
72
00:04:35.959 --> 00:04:39.240
73
00:04:39.279 --> 00:04:42.519
74
00:04:42.560 --> 00:04:47.040
75
00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:50.199
76
00:04:50.199 --> 00:04:53.759
77
00:04:53.800 --> 00:04:57.079
78
00:04:57.079 --> 00:05:00.839
79
00:05:00.879 --> 00:05:04.480
80
00:05:04.480 --> 00:05:08.319
81
00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:13.759
82
00:05:24.279 --> 00:05:28.319
83
00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:32.319
84
00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:34.879
85
00:05:35.480 --> 00:05:39.399
86
00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:42.839
87
00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:45.519
88
00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:48.800
89
00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:52.240
90
00:05:52.240 --> 00:05:55.959
91
00:05:55.959 --> 00:05:59.959
92
00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:03.000
93
00:06:03.040 --> 00:06:06.000
94
00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:09.680
95
00:06:09.720 --> 00:06:13.560
96
00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:17.839
97
00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:22.040
98
00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:25.240
99
00:06:25.240 --> 00:06:28.639
100
00:06:28.720 --> 00:06:33.279
101
00:06:33.399 --> 00:06:38.160
102
00:06:38.519 --> 00:06:42.279
103
00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:45.519
104
00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.680
105
00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:52.040
106
00:06:52.079 --> 00:06:56.360
107
00:06:56.439 --> 00:06:59.680
108
00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:02.560
109
00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:05.920
110
00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:09.000
111
00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:12.720
112
00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:19.680
113
00:07:20.120 --> 00:07:22.680
114
00:07:22.720 --> 00:07:26.759
115
00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:31.199
116
00:07:31.279 --> 00:07:36.720
117
00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:41.759
118
00:07:41.759 --> 00:07:45.120
119
00:07:45.160 --> 00:07:48.560
120
00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:52.279
121
00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:55.680
122
00:07:55.759 --> 00:08:02.199
