Amy Ratkovich

Dear Near Dear Readers, Dry January is about becoming more aware of yourself by temporarily removing things that might be blocking that clarity—in this case, substances or habits you enjoy but aren’t always sure are just “for fun” versus something you quietly rely on. It’s a month to test the waters: Do I need this to feel okay, or is it filling a gap I haven’t fully named? Many people use this time to gently confront the small ways we justify patterns that interfere with relationships, work,...

How do you feel right now, as December comes to a close? If you’re being honest, your answer might include exhaustion, overwhelm, or a quiet sense of relief that it’s finally over. If so — you’re not imagining it. December asks more of ADHD brains than most people realize. And if you’re here reading this, chances are you felt it. It’s been a long month. This is a longer blog. Go at your own pace. Here’s the reassurance up front: If you make it to the end, you’re doing okay.And even if you...

For women navigating relationships with heightened emotional sensitivity You know that feeling. Your partner's tone shifts slightly. Their energy changes. Maybe they're quieter than usual, or there's a tension in their body language you can't quite name but definitely feel. And instantly, your body responds: What did I do wrong? Your heart races. Your mind scrambles through the last hour, the last day, searching for evidence of your mistake. The story writes itself before you even realize...