My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive;
to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.

Maya Angelou

Michelle Porter, wellbeing coach and founder of Bettering Nature

Hello! I'm Michelle Porter

I believe that wellbeing isn't something we need to create from scratch—it's inherent in who we are, waiting to be recognized and nurtured. Through Bettering Nature, I help others discover this truth for themselves, finding practical, meaningful ways to enhance their wellbeing that create positive ripples in their lives and beyond.

In our complex modern world, it's easy to lose touch with our own inner wisdom about what we truly need to thrive. Perhaps you've started to notice this disconnect—a growing awareness that wellbeing isn't just about managing health or checking boxes on a to-do list, but about finding your own authentic way of being in the world. Whether you're navigating daily demands, leading others, or contributing to causes you believe in, you might be seeking approaches that help you move through life with greater presence and purpose—ways to honor both your personal needs and your desire to create positive change.

What fascinates me most is illuminating connections others might miss - those moments of insight when someone discovers their own capacity for deeper understanding and renewal. Through this work, I've seen how personal awareness naturally extends outward, creating ripples that touch not just individual lives but entire communities. When we learn to trust our inner wisdom while staying open to nature's lessons about resilience and renewal, we discover pathways to thriving that feel both authentic and sustainable.

Understanding Wellbeing Differently

My approach emerges from a simple but profound understanding: that the wisdom we seek often already exists within and around us. Rather than adding more "shoulds" to your life or prescribing universal solutions, I help you recognize patterns and possibilities you might not see on your own.

This work weaves together wisdom from many sources. Nature offers lessons about resilience and renewal through its constant cycles. Our bodies carry deep knowledge about what they need to thrive. Communities hold insights about connection and support. And our own lived experiences provide a rich foundation for growth and understanding.

I've found that meaningful change happens when we create space to explore these different forms of wisdom with curiosity and kindness. Whether through thoughtful writing, group workshops, or individual guidance, I help others:

Discover their own authentic path to wellbeing
Recognize and trust their inner wisdom
Draw inspiration from nature's rhythms
Make choices that benefit both themselves and their broader world
Create sustainable practices that feel genuine rather than forced

My role isn't to provide all the answers, but to illuminate possibilities and support you in finding approaches that truly resonate with your life. When we work together in this way, wellbeing becomes less about following external rules and more about nurturing what already exists within you.

My Journey

My path to this work has been shaped by an interesting combination of experiences that give me a unique lens for viewing wellbeing. My professional journey began in IT as a business analyst, where I specialized in helping people work better within their systems. What fascinated me most was understanding how both people and systems "think" - the patterns, connections, and capabilities that often go unnoticed. While I wasn't a developer, my ability to see these patterns and translate between technical and human needs allowed me to bridge gaps and challenge perceived limitations.

Alongside this analytical work, I found myself drawn to exploring integrated healing approaches, particularly through managing my own chronic back pain. This parallel journey taught me firsthand the value of honoring both conventional and alternative approaches while staying true to our own intuition. Through many disappointments when hoped-for "cures" didn't work for me, I learned a crucial truth: each person's path to wellbeing is unique, and what works perfectly for one person might not be right for another. I discovered that the most effective approach often involves working with our body's natural wisdom while remaining open to various forms of support, and that maintaining activities that bring us joy is crucial for overall wellbeing.

The turning point came while supporting a loved one through a prolonged illness. Balancing existing responsibilities with caregiving became incredibly challenging, and I felt the deep need for support that went beyond standard wellness advice. I needed someone who could listen with empathy and understanding, helping me find sustainable ways to care for myself during this demanding time. When I couldn't find this kind of support, I realized I wanted to become the guide I wished I'd had.

This realization led me to leave IT and earn my Master's in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching from the University of Minnesota. Today, I draw on both my analytical background and holistic understanding to help others recognize patterns and possibilities they might miss. My ability to see connections and translate complex ideas into practical wisdom informs everything I do, whether I'm writing, leading workshops, or creating spaces for authentic discovery and growth. Today, this background informs the unique perspective I bring to my work with individuals and groups.

Creating Positive Change

Through Bettering Nature, I create spaces where wellbeing concepts become accessible wisdom that can spark positive change. This happens through thoughtful writing, community workshops, and opportunities for authentic discovery and growth.

One expression of this work is "Becoming EcoWell," a workshop that brings together personal and planetary wellbeing. This program explores how these two aspects naturally support each other, helping participants discover sustainable practices that benefit both themselves and their environment. This exemplifies my belief that when we nurture our own wellbeing, we naturally create positive ripples that extend far beyond ourselves.

I share regular insights through my blog and newsletter, "Practically Well," where we explore practical ways to enhance wellbeing while deepening our connection with the natural world. These writings often emerge from my own observations and discoveries, offering perspectives that help others see new possibilities in familiar challenges.

Whether I'm writing, speaking, or leading workshops, my focus remains consistent: helping others recognize patterns they might miss and transform complex ideas into practical wisdom. I'm particularly drawn to creating opportunities for group learning and discovery, where shared insights can spark meaningful transformation for both individuals and communities.

Looking ahead, I remain committed to creating spaces where people can explore wellbeing in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. My work continues to evolve naturally as I discover new ways to share practical wisdom and support meaningful transformation. What remains constant is my commitment to helping others discover their own capacity for growth and renewal, while creating positive ripples that benefit our broader world.

You have shown me how to find some answers within myself

and have given me tools to keep myself balanced....
Coaching Client

Education & Training

This journey is supported by extensive training that brings together traditional education and specialized certifications:

Core Education

Master of Arts, Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Mathematics, Luther College (IA)
National Board Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC)

Additional Training & Certifications

Mind-Body Medicine professional training (The Center for Mind-Body Medicine)
Functional Nutrition Guide certification (MindBodyGreen)
Resilience & Thriving Facilitator training
Food Matters professional training (University of Minnesota)
Mindful Storytelling certification, integrating mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with storytelling approaches

This combination of education and specialized training enhances my ability to support others in discovering their own path to wellbeing. Each certification and training experience has deepened my understanding of how different aspects of wellbeing connect and influence each other, enriching the practical wisdom I share with others.

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