☕ Coffee with Luke

Episode: "It’s That Time Again"

Written and hosted by Luke Ransley

[Intro music plays: soft lo-fi coffee shop ambiance with light acoustic strumming]

Luke (warm, grounded tone):
Hey friends. It’s that time again — time to grab your favourite mug, take a deep breath, and join me for another episode of Coffee with Luke.

There’s something comforting about a routine, isn’t there? That quiet moment when the world slows down, the kettle boils, and all the noise fades away just for a little while. That’s what Coffee with Luke is all about. Whether you’re listening on your commute, winding down at home, or just stealing a few minutes for yourself — I’m glad you’re here. Let’s take this time together.

☕ The Long Day Feeling

You ever have one of those days that just feels long? Not necessarily bad — just… full. That’s the kind of day I had this week.

It started before the sun came up — that kind of cool Brisbane morning where the air smells like eucalyptus and the ground still remembers the rain from the night before. I got up early, stretched out the tightness in my back — thanks to George, my physio at Active Care, for showing me some new movements to help with that arthritis in my T12. It's always a bit of a mission getting the body moving first thing, but every stretch is like telling myself: you’ve got this.

From there, it was off to work at the fruit and veggie shop. You wouldn’t believe the stories that come through the door with our regulars. Today an elderly man came in just to buy two apples — and ended up chatting with me about Tasmania for ten minutes. Turns out he used to fish out of Hobart in the 1970s. Isn’t it funny how a simple thing — an apple — can turn into a whole story?

By midday, I was feeling that fatigue start to creep in. My shoulders were tight, my feet were sore — shout out to Aaron Anger at Active Care for helping me manage my plantar fasciitis — but the real drain came from the mental load. You know what I mean? When your brain is juggling the to-do list, the appointments, the social energy… all while trying to be present.

🧠 Holding Space for the Mind

These long days are a reminder that we carry a lot — not just in our bodies, but in our minds and hearts. As someone who advocates for mental health, I try to be honest about that. I’ve got a team of amazing professionals in my corner — like Amelia, my psychologist at Maxwell & Moore, and Jodi Ord, who’s been helping me learn how memories and tension live in the body.

Jodi showed me this diagram of the brain last time — explained how certain stress responses get wired in when we’re young or when we go through tough stuff. But the cool part? She also taught me how we can gently rewire those connections. Sometimes that means breathing deep. Sometimes it means thinking of someone who makes you feel safe, like my best friend Cody Dare. Sometimes it just means saying, "Today was hard, but I’m still here."

👣 The Power of Small Moments

After work, I walked home — a bit slower than usual, letting the cool air wrap around me. I thought about how life is made up of these tiny in-between moments:

  • The way the light filters through the jacaranda trees

  • The smell of coffee drifting from a café on the corner

  • The text from my cousin Jacqui just checking in

  • The sound of Payton laughing in the background during our FaceTime

It’s those small things that ground us. That remind us: even long days have beauty.

💬 Reflection Time

So, if today’s been long for you too — for whatever reason — I just want to say: I see you. You’re not alone in it. Whether you're navigating health stuff, managing a busy life, or just trying to make it through the noise, give yourself a little grace. Put the kettle on. Take that deep breath. You made it through another day.

And if you’re anything like me, coffee helps — but kindness helps more.

📝 Before We Wrap Up…

Thanks for spending this time with me. These episodes are more than just words — they’re a way for us to connect. And every time you tune in, you’re part of this journey.

If you’re new to Coffee with Luke, welcome. If you’ve been here since the beginning — thank you. I’ve got some exciting topics planned for the next few weeks, including a special episode about my Apple collection (yes, the tech, not the fruit!), and maybe even a chat with someone special from my care team.

As always, if something resonated with you today, feel free to share the episode, or just reach out and say hi. My inbox is always open, and I love hearing your stories too.

Until next time —
Take care of yourself, be gentle with your heart, and don’t forget to breathe.

This has been Coffee with Luke. Catch you soon.

[Outro music fades in: mellow, hopeful piano melody]

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