Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Jackson
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m home. It’s 3:30pm on a warm September day and I just stepped off the school bus. I toss my backpack in the soft grass of my yard and run across the street to the park. At nine years old, I’m eager to play with my friends. Our favorites were playing basketball, riding bikes, playing alligator on the swing set, or making a fort in the woods. With no cell phones or tracking devices, I was free roam until dinner, or at least until my mom let out a piercing loud whistle with her pinkies. How does she do that? That was my cue to come home.
I was happy and carefree. It was the chapter in my life that nurtured my love of playing with others in the outdoors and learning how to listen to my body. It allowed me to cultivate confidence, physical strength, curiosity, trust in nature, resilience, and safety. All qualities that assisted me in becoming an outdoor educator and wilderness guide, that eventually evolved into a wellness coach.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After my years of playing basketball and studying meteorology at Western Illinois University, I discovered outdoor leadership and wilderness tripping as an outlet of what the beginning years of my career could look like. Seasonal trips and expeditions took me around the country and eventually to the Canadian and Alaskan arctic. The adventures backpacking and whitewater canoeing with teenagers could range from 2 to 45 days.
It cracked open every part of me. The good and the bad. I had the opportunity to be every part of myself with no limits. I was free again!
But when I came home, the bottom fell out. I didn’t know how to transition back to real life and be myself. Or was out there real life? It was confusing and depression came to the surface. I felt directionless, like my internal compass was fogged over. On top of that, I couldn’t shake the hormonal acne, achey joints, food sensitivities, migraines, low self-worth, eczema, anxiety, and inconsistent periods. I started to explore how I could find some balance for myself.
I had heard about health coaching, and wasn’t quite sure where it would take me, so it was a leap of faith to get my foot in the door. Ever since I did, I’ve been able to combine all my skills, gifts, and passions in one place, plus heal many of my own aliments. It was in this process of finding balance for myself, I noticed other people sought my advice and support with their own health struggles.
We’ve been impressed with Natalie Jackson Wellness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I studied to become a Certified Health Coach with Institute of Integrative Nutrition and Yoga Healer and launched Natalie Jackson Wellness two weeks before the pandemic shut down. Talk about timing! I began to facilitate an online group coaching community that wove together accountability and education around foundational self-care habits every human body needs to thrive. Like how to exercise when you’re not motivated, how to eat for your body type and the season, how to manage stress through mindfulness, and how to fall asleep and stay asleep. All without strict diets, extensive gym workouts, buying expensive products, or time consuming routines.
A health coach is a bridge of support and resources between your health care provider and what you already know you need but aren’t following through. Either because you are tired, overstimulated, or stressed, that’s where my bright and playful energy comes in to ease the tension while you build trust and habits with your body again.
My mission is to help you stop pushing your way to a healthy body but instead use the science of behavioral change, nature, and Ayurvedic principles. Recognizing that you can rejuvenate your energy, deep rest, nourishment & joy of living from the inside out and that feeling stuck is temporary.
Along with my group coaching community, Longevity Blueprint, I offer in person workshops and retreats, individual sessions, and free online resources. Check out Nataliejacksonwellness.com to stay updated or sign up for my short ‘n’ sweet newsletter Tiny Tips that includes a small self-care habit to try for the week. I’m also in the process of expanding Tiny Tips to be on an app! Each week you’ll receive a compact, motivational video with recipes, workouts, pep talks, and guided meditations. Coming spring 2025!
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is matching the potential I feel in my heart and having it reflect in the world. I am able to move through fear as if dancing lightly on my toes and getting swept up in the rush of energy. Not trying to push, force, or dominate, but rather let my potential guide me to what is exciting, fulfilling, and inclusive. Because what’s the point of relishing in my success alone? If I’m thriving, I want others to thrive.
Success also looks like a healthy body, meaningful relationships, purposeful work that lifts and helps others, and maintaining a deep connection with nature. A sense of grounded energy, being playful, and simplicity have never led me astray.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nataliejacksonwellness.com
- Instagram: @nataliejacksonwellness
- Youtube: @nataliejacksonwellness
