☕️ Coffee with Luke: Sipping Through Stories and Sunshine

 

Published: April 25, 2025
By Luke Ransley

There’s something about a warm cup of coffee that feels like a hug for the soul.

It’s not just the taste or the aroma, though I’ll happily admit I’m a sucker for a smooth flat white with a caramel twist. It’s the moment. The pause. The invitation to breathe, think, and connect. Whether I’m catching up with my cousin Jacqui in Bulimba, people-watching in the city, or sitting on my porch with an Apple device in hand and a camera slung over my shoulder, coffee has a way of bringing the world into focus.

This week, I want to take you on a walk through my world—a little deeper than usual. This isn’t just about what’s in my cup, but what’s on my mind, in my heart, and shaping the days ahead.

🌤 Brisbane Mornings & Hobart Memories

I’m 29 now, living in Brisbane, but my roots stretch all the way to Hobart. And even though the weather is warmer here (most of the time), I often find myself chasing that crisp, clean Hobart air. Especially during early morning walks—before the city wakes up, before the noise starts—just me, the sky, and a fresh breeze carrying echoes of home.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on how far I’ve come. From Hobart to Brisbane, from shy to strong, from quiet to connected. Some days it still feels surreal. But every time I sit down for a coffee, I remember that life is built on the little moments. And those little moments have brought me to some pretty big places.

👟 Health, Healing, and Hope

Over the past year, my journey with health has been a bit like a winding mountain trail. There have been good days and tough days—days where my arthritis flares up or my T12 reminds me it’s still there—but there’s always been progress.

I’ve been lucky to have an incredible team of health professionals walking alongside me. George Campbell at Active Care has worked hard with me on my spine and shoulders, and Travis Masters from QSMC has brought fresh insight and a new kind of energy to my physio sessions. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for second opinions. It’s okay to be curious. It’s okay to want more for your body and mind.

And speaking of the mind—Amelia Moore, my psychologist, and Jodi Ord, have been my sounding boards. Jodi recently showed me how memories can live in our bodies as tension, and how shifting our focus to happier thoughts—like time spent with my best friend Mandy or cuddles from my cousin Jacqui—can help release some of that weight.

Mental health is close to my heart. I advocate for it because I live it. And if this blog can help even one person feel seen or heard, then that’s a win in my book.

🍏 Apple Love & Camera Clicks

If you know me, you know I’ve got a thing for Apple products. There’s just something magical about their design, their smoothness, their feel in the hand. Whether I’m organizing my week on the iPad or editing photos on my MacBook, Apple tech brings structure and creativity together in a way that works beautifully for someone like me.

Speaking of creativity—photography is still one of my greatest loves. There's nothing like capturing the golden-hour light as it hits Jacqui’s backyard or snapping a candid photo of Mum and Claire laughing over lunch. A photo isn’t just an image—it’s a memory frozen in time, a way to hold on to the joy when the days get heavy.

And when I cook, I do the same thing. I capture moments. Whether it’s making a slow-cooked lamb roast or experimenting with a gluten-free zucchini slice, cooking brings me comfort and pride. It’s like therapy with seasoning.

💬 Connection Over Coffee

One of the best parts of my week is when I sit down for a coffee with someone who just gets me. Sometimes that’s Jacqui. Sometimes it’s my support team. And sometimes, it’s just me and you—right here in this blog.

That’s the whole point of Coffee with Luke—to connect. To be real. To share what it’s like living with an intellectual disability, yes, but also to show the joy, strength, humour, and depth that exists beyond any label.

You see, life isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up. And I show up, every day. Even when it’s hard. Even when the storm comes (and yes, Cyclone Alfred, I’m talking about you). I choose to show up, because my story matters. And so does yours.

🎉 What’s Brewing Next?

I’ve got some exciting things on the horizon—more support sessions, a few creative projects, and hopefully a new Apple gadget (fingers crossed for a new iPhone drop soon!). But more than anything, I’m looking forward to more chats like this.

So, whether you’re reading this over a cappuccino, a chai latte, or a cold brew on ice—thank you. Thank you for letting me share a piece of my world with you.

Until next time, stay grounded, stay curious, and stay kind.

With love and coffee,
Luke ☕️📸🍎

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