Dear Iza,

There’s something about this time of year —
that in-between space where one season is softening and another hasn’t fully arrived yet.

Transitions.

I’ve been thinking about them a lot lately.

On a recent walk through the spring forest, I came across a translucent leaf —
no longer what it once was, not yet fully returned to the soil.

It was in between.

Last year’s growth, gently breaking down, becoming nourishment for what is to come.

Life is like this too.

We often think of transitions as something to move through quickly —
to get to the “next” place.

But transitions are not a problem.

They can be uncomfortable, yes.
But they are a necessary part of life.

And they can be so full of wisdom.

They move us, shape us, and ask us to shift and to grow.

We see this so clearly in nature.
Each season asks something different of us.

Winter invites rest and stillness.
Spring begins to stir movement — and with it can come restlessness or tension.
Summer opens us outward into connection and expression.
And fall calls us back in, to simplify and slow down.

None of these is better or worse than the other.

They are all part of the natural rhythm of life.

And just like the seasons, we move through transitions in our own lives.

Midlife.
Menopause.
Changes in relationships.
Loss of a loved one.

Careen changes or retirement.

Moments when the ground beneath us shifts, and we’re asked to find our footing again.

There is something sacred in that.

Even in uncertainty, there can be a remembering of what matters.
A softening into the present moment — where life is actually happening.

Transitions ask us to meet ourselves differently.
To listen more closely.
To move with, rather than against.

So wherever you find yourself right now —
in a seasonal shift, a life transition, or simply feeling the pull to show up differently — I see you.

Take this moment.

Take a deep breath in.
And a long, slow exhale.

Feel your feet on the ground.
Let yourself land.
You are here.
And that is enough.

Let yourself feel into the magnitude of what it means to be alive.
To be in this body.
To be you.

Let yourself receive a little more ease.
A little more of your own attention and care.
There is no one more deserving of that than you.

You are incredible.

With love,
Angela

P.S. To support your body through seasonal transitions, I’ve included two of my favourite salads below. And if you’re in midlife and craving extra support, you’ll find details at the bottom about a powerful group container for women.

Why Warm Salads Support Seasonal Transitions

In TCM, how we eat during seasonal transitions matters just as much as what we eat. The body doesn’t shift abruptly—it needs a gentle bridge.

These warm, mostly cooked salads offer that support. Root vegetables, grains, and lightly steamed greens bring warmth, nourishment, and stability—helping to strengthen digestion and build Qi when the system is more sensitive.

At the same time, the addition of fresh greens, light dressings, and gentle pungency (like ginger or vinegar) helps keep Liver Qi moving, preventing stagnation as the body adjusts.

It’s this balance—warm and cooked, with a touch of fresh and light—that allows the body to stay grounded while still adapting and flowing with the change in seasons.

Warm Greens with Miso-Ginger Dressing

A fresh, cleansing and nourishing salad that's easy on digestion

Ingredients:
2 carrots, grated or ribboned
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1 bunch snap peas or green beans, lightly steamed
2 cups baby spinach or Asian greens (like tatsoi or mizuna)
Optional: steamed kabocha squash cubes or cooked millet for grounding

Warm Miso-Ginger Dressing:

1 tbsp white or yellow miso paste
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
2 tbsp warm water (more if needed)
1 tsp sesame oil
Optional: a splash of tamari

Instructions:
Lightly steam snap peas or green beans until just tender.
Warm the dressing ingredients gently and whisk until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine fresh greens, carrots, and peppers.
Add warm steamed veggies and drizzle with warm dressing.
Toss gently and serve immediately.

Warm Farro Salad with Maple Roasted Squash, Sweet Potato & Beets

Ingredients
For the salad:

1 cup farro, rinsed
• 3 cups water or broth (for cooking farro)
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium beets, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3–4 cups arugula (rocket), lightly packed
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
Simmer farro in water or broth for 25–30 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30–35 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Toast the walnuts in the oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.

Whisk or shake all dressing ingredients until well combined.
Layer arugula, warm farro, roasted vegetables, cranberries, and walnuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Enjoy warm as a main or side.

If you’re a midlife woman in a transition right now and feeling the need for more support, I wanted to let you know that REVIVE begins this week.

It’s a small group program where I guide you through midlife and menopause with practical tools, nervous system support, and clear, personalized direction—so you’re not trying to figure it out on your own.

If you’re interested or want more information, just hit reply to this email and we can find a time to talk or book a discovery call here