Steven Lucas

The turning of the calendar is more than a date change—it’s an invitation to renewal. For many, the New Year symbolises fresh beginnings, yet shame often lingers like a shadow. This post explores how to release shame and embrace grace, so you can step into the year with freedom and confidence. What Is Shame and […]

Few statements about modern unbelief are as revealing as philosopher Thomas Nagel’s famous confession about God: > “I hope there is no God! I don’t want there to be a God; I don’t want the universe to be like that.” — Thomas Nagel, The Last Word Nagel wasn’t rejecting God because evidence was lacking —

Gratitude is often associated with joy, abundance, and celebration. But what happens when life feels heavy—when grief, stress, or uncertainty cloud your days? In those moments, giving thanks may feel unnatural or even impossible. Yet, it’s precisely during life’s storms that gratitude can become a powerful anchor, helping you find emotional balance and reconnect with

As the calendar winds down, the final weeks of the year offer a powerful opportunity to pause and reflect. Year end reflection isn’t just about reviewing goals or achievements—it’s about asking deeper questions: What did I learn about myself? How did I grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually? This process of introspection can reveal hidden strengths,

In a world that prizes instant gratification, the season of Advent offers a countercultural invitation: to wait. Rooted in Christian tradition, Advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas—a time of expectation, preparation, and spiritual reflection. But beyond its religious origins, Advent speaks to a universal human experience: the power of waiting with purpose.

The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, it can be a stark reminder of loss, isolation, or unmet expectations. Whether you’re spending the holidays alone, missing loved ones, or feeling disconnected in a crowd, holiday loneliness is a real and valid experience. Fortunately, there are

As the year draws to a close, many people feel overwhelmed by unfinished goals, emotional fatigue, or the pressure to start fresh. Therapy offers a powerful way to reflect on the past year, process challenges, and prepare for the future with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re navigating stress, loss, or change, working with a therapist

Gift giving is more than a seasonal tradition or social nicety—it’s a deeply rooted psychological behaviour that reflects how we connect, communicate, and care. Whether it’s a birthday present, a holiday surprise, or a spontaneous gesture, giving gifts taps into our emotional core and strengthens our relationships. 🧠 The Brain’s Response to Gift Giving When

Life has a way of pulling us in many directions — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. There are times when we find ourselves running on autopilot, disconnected from what truly matters. A spiritual reset offers a chance to pause, reflect, and consciously realign with your deeper values. It’s about beginning again, not from emptiness, but from

Every December, millions of us return to our favourite festive Christmas films — It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, Home Alone, and many more. But what is it about these stories that draws us in year after year? Beneath the tinsel and snow lies a set of powerful emotional archetypes that speak to universal human