I’m for growth over comfort, faith over fear, and journeys over destinations. Through my work in content creation, television, and one-on-one life coaching, I help people empower themselves to lead happier, healthier & more purpose-driven lives.

- Natalie

Doing What I Love

Hi friends! Whether you’ve been following along on Instagram for some time, or are brand new here, I’m thrilled to welcome you to my blog.
My hope with this blog is to inspire & transport, to pass on valuable skills & ideas, and to help you live with a little more balance, joy, courage, wellness, and of course…nature’s freshest air.
A little background: Growing up in Minnesota, I’ve always had a love for nature & all things “North.” That said, in my twenties I’d find myself living & working for nearly five years in the heart of one of our nation’s biggest cities, feeling stressed, unhappy & *stuck* - in work, in love & in life. It wasn’t until a difficult relationship suddenly ended that I found the courage to turn my life upside down - switching jobs, moving home, stepping into strength + joy, and quickly cultivating the belief that I was in fact free to create the life I believed in.

Nattie up North, which was just the name of my personal Instagram handle, started to become a “thing” in 2018 when the digital content I was making for fun began to grow a following. I soon realized that, while it was unplanned, I now had a platform. I vowed to do with it work I believe in.

Today I’m enjoying my journey & am humbled to say I’ve never felt more fulfilled, empowered, resilient & just plain happy. Tools I’ve used along the way include: centering on purpose, faith, community, outdoor adventure, solo travel, service, entrepreneurship, self-care, chasing fears, and slowing down to enjoy all the little, beautiful & delicious parts of life. *I’m passionate about helping others do the same.*

So, what do I do?!

While I wear many hats, each is just a different angle at the work I love: supporting people along their journey to live better lives.

In addition to running my digital platforms, I’m a Host & Producer on the television show Due North Outdoors, as well as a Master-Certified Professional Life Coach (MCPC) focusing in: purpose & direction, health & wellness, habits, relationships & communication, and faith-based coaching. I’m a certified yoga & prenatal yoga instructor, and a fitness instructor in training. I also write for publication, lead seminars & appear on various podcasts + shows.

How I got here:

I’ve worked as a Writer & Editor at a women’s lifestyle magazine, in Media Relations for the Minnesota Wild (NHL), and in the corporate world in Human Resources & Project Management. More recently, I was a member of Major League Fishing’s on-screen talent, and I produced, directed & hosted the series “Covering Water.” I have bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and English and have acquired various certifications in coaching and holistic health & wellness.

Natalie Dillon a.k.a. Nattie up North looks out the window during winter. — Hobbies

I love all things outdoors, including hiking, foraging, fishing, biking & cross-country skiing among other things. I volunteer as an Emergency Response Team Lead with the nonprofit organization IOCC and help run social media channels for my home church. I played 16 seasons of competitive ice hockey and still try my best to train like an athlete! I value faith, food, travel, holistic health, reading, organizing, history + culture, time with family + friends, helping people achieve their goals & any opportunity to meet people or try something new.

And finally, some fun facts…

01.

I can recite lines from the Lord of the Rings in Elvish. Yes, I took heat for this in Junior High. No, it did not stop me.

02.

I have approximately 40 scars on my heart - literally! I was diagnosed with a heart condition in high school and again in adulthood, but after undergoing an amazing medical procedure for the second time, I am now fully healed.

03.

I’ve always been a lover of quality food. But my ability put down meals also earned me the unfortunate nickname “disposal” in college.

04.

I was terrified of public speaking for years! It wasn’t until completing formal training & doing it professionally that I finally got comfortable with it.

05.

When I start giggling, I can’t stop. I’ve been known to have uncontrollable, teary laugh-attacks everywhere from school, to the dinner table, to the quiet pews of church.