The Season of Thanks and Giving

Written by Dr. Suzanne Tang

November 3rd, 2025

A Home Transformed and a Heart Full of Gratitude

We are coming up on the grand finale of our surprise remodel from a slab leak — completed in just under 2.5 months — thanks to our kind and phenomenal wellness members, Michael and Goldyn, who own Michael Duffy Carpentry Construction. If you need an interior designer and general contractor you can truly trust, I highly recommend this dynamic duo and their hardworking crew.

All of the decision-making, material searching, and investment into creating a beautiful, cozy home for our family and friends to enjoy has made me reflect deeply on what truly matters as the year comes to a close: gratitude, Source, family, community, helping others, and giving back.

Finding Meaning in Times of Change

These past three years have been a whirlwind of transition and change. If you’ve been under my care and followed me across multiple clinics, you know exactly what I mean! There hasn’t been much time to pause and reflect — to truly serve and give in the ways I aspire to.

Inspire Natural Wellness was born over three years ago out of necessity, challenges, and, quite literally, an “eviction notice” from my previous wellness clinic. Yet through hardship came resilience, adaptability, faith, and miracles — including a warm and inviting clinic to call home (we moved in very abruptly just one year ago!) and the reunion with our incredible team members:

  • Megan Gallardo, our compassionate and gifted Wellness Concierge Manager

  • Mariah Guevarra, our wonderful Virtual Clinical Assistant

  • Dr. Quan Nguyễn, Jill Brew, and Hannah Haus, who offer exceptional wellness services, health coaching, and care

  • Our newest addition, Sophia Vandertoll, a budding naturopathic and acupuncture student who has seamlessly joined our busy clinic

A Heartfelt Thank You

There aren’t enough thank-yous in the world for Klara Saunders, our brilliant and creative social media, website, and marketing manager (and dear friend). Klara has been by my side since the very beginning — turning my lengthy newsletters into digestible e-bites and helping inspire our community to stay connected.

As our season with Klara comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude for her creative talent, endless care, and friendship. Many others have also made a lasting impact during this journey — each playing a part in the birthing of Inspire Natural Wellness.

Our Community, Our Inspiration

Most importantly, none of this would be possible without you — our wellness community. Your commitment to health and adaptability through clinic moves, staffing changes, and new care models means so much. This transition toward a more comprehensive, concierge-style wellness model has allowed for deeper, more personalized care, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

When I speak to new members, I’m reminded how universal our desires are — to feel calm, peaceful, healthy, vibrant, purposeful, and to share joy with loved ones. And just as important: to give back.

Giving Back to Our Community

There’s no better time to serve than now. Many in our community are struggling — from the loss of SNAP benefits and job changes to food insecurity and medical hardship. In Orange County alone, an estimated 350,000–490,000 people face food insecurity, including over 20% of children and nearly 30% of low-income seniors.

With awareness of the greater collective’s needs and suffering and knowing that we are more similar than different, all made from the light and love of Source, Spirit, the Universe, or whatever you name it, we remember that we are One. What impacts one being affects the collective community. This inspires me to give back and help one another in whatever way we can. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, or what I like to call “Thanks and Giving”, we’ve listed a handful of food banks and organizations in Orange County that serve the underserved and would greatly appreciate your time or donations.

Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank
11870 Monarch St., Garden Grove, CA 92841
(714) 897-6670 • ocfoodbank.org

Families Forward
8 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 552-2727 • families-forward.org

Miracle for Kids
17848 Sky Park Circle, Suite C, Irvine, CA 92614
(714) 730-3040 • miracleforkids.org

Orange County Rescue Mission
One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 247-4300 • rescuemission.org

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 653-2900 • feedoc.org

Inspire Natural Wellness Giving Drive

We know that giving and receiving can be a delicate balance — especially during the holidays. That’s why we invite you to give back while caring for yourself.

Bring in:

  • Non-expired canned or boxed Thanksgiving food items for Families Forward’s Thanksgiving Program by November 11, or

  • An unwrapped toy for the Orange County Fire Authority’s Spark of Love Toy Drive by December 10,

and receive $10 off one service (medical massage, lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, cupping, or craniosacral therapy) or 10% off one supplement purchase.

Dr. Tang will personally deliver all donations to her neighborhood association supporting these programs.
Please see our flyers below for more information.

Nourishing Nutrition

Another way to take care of yourself is to build holiday stress-busting ingredients into your diet. Many of these stress-relieving items may already be in your pantry! Just a few mindful choices can help support your body’s stress response and overall well-being:

  • Turmeric: Supports brain and liver health; lowers inflammation

  • Ginger: Calms the stomach and reduces inflammation

  • Dark chocolate: In moderation, it boosts mood and lowers stress hormones

  • Gluten-free oats: Provide fiber and B vitamins for steady energy

  • Leafy greens: High in magnesium to relax muscles and nerves

  • Avocados: Packed with potassium and healthy fats

  • Green tea: Contains L-theanine for calm alertness

  • Nuts and seeds: Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats

  • Yogurt: Supports gut health, which impacts mood and stress

    Scroll down to my Recipe Corner to give dark chocolate and nut bites a try!

We are so grateful that you are part of our community, and together we can make a difference and be the change we wish to see in the world.

Yours in Wellness,

Dr. Suzanne Tang, ND, LAc and the Inspire Natural Wellness Team

Upcoming Events

Click the images below for more information and to access the registration page!

Recipe Corner

These little dark chocolates can go a long way. These no-bake bites are great when you want a sweet snack that won’t spike your blood sugar yet supports sustainable energy and focus.

Dark chocolate nut bites picture and recipe card

Donation Drives

Donation drive flyerdecorated with leaves and foods outlining what items can be donated for Families forward food drive
Toy drive flyer with picture of toys outlining deadline and rules for OCFA toy drive
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