Who I am.

Food, wine, woods — designed for focus.

Self Care Don’t Care is a home for ADHD‑friendly weeknight cooking, under‑$25 wine pairings, and mindful‑drinking rituals—plus a gentle dose of nootropics basics and Pacific Northwest forest calm. If your brain runs fast and your evenings run short, you’re in the right place.

My story (the short version)

I’m Josh —former luxury hotel restaurant GM turned bonsai operations director and nonprofit director. I’ve lived with ADHD my whole life, and for years I used alcohol to take the edge off a racing mind. Eventually I hit a wall, took a hard reset, and rebuilt my nights from the ground up.

That rebuild looked simple on paper: one‑pan dinners, mini meal‑prep, nature walks, and experimenting (carefully) with focus‑supportive routines like Lion’s Mane and structured nootropic testing. Today I practice mindful drinking—choosing when and what to drink with intention—and I share what actually helps me feel present, focused, and proud at 7pm.

What you’ll find here

  • Chef‑simple recipes built for low energy: one pan/pot, 30–40 minutes, 5–8 ingredients.

  • Meal‑prep that doesn’t hurt: a 90‑minute Sunday reset to batch veg, a sauce, and a protein so weeknights are easy.

  • Wallet‑friendly pairings: grocery‑store wines under $25 with exact grapes/regions—and NA or low‑ABV alternatives.

  • Nootropics, gently: plain‑language guides to starting points and journaling what works for you. (Educational only; not medical advice.)

  • Forest calm: photos and wallpapers from the ancient forests I help document with our nonprofit—tiny breathers for long days.

A taste of my kitchen

  • One‑Pan Chicken Thighs with Capers, Shishitos & Mushrooms
    Finish with a dab of anchovy paste + butter for umami. Pair with: a crisp Italian white (Verdicchio) or a chillable red (Gamay/Beaujolais‑Villages, under $20).

  • Snack Boards to the Rescue
    For nights where I’m too cooked to cook or simply don’t have time a quick snack board is always nutritious and satisfying. Omega‑rich sardines, hummus, your favorite cheese, carrot sticks, radishes, crackers or sourdough, and whatever’s in season—lately, figs from Trader Joe’s. Pair with: Prosecco (Glera) under $15—look for the blue/white DOC or DOCG neck band. Mindful nights: sparkling water with citrus + a bitters‑style NA aperitif.

How I approach wellness (and why it’s different)

  • Shame‑free, science‑curious. I read the research, test gently, and keep what works. I don’t chase hacks; I chase habits that hold.

  • B+ work shipped. Done beats perfect—especially on weeknights.

  • Mindful drinking over absolutism. Whether you’re sober‑curious or simply cutting back, you’re welcome here.

  • Accessibility first. Short steps, clear photos, and calming visuals. Your brain is busy; your dinner won’t be.

Note: I’m not a clinician and nothing here is medical advice. See the Health Disclaimer for details.