Go Outside! The Healing Power of Nature with Melissa Roberts

In this week’s episode of The Orange Butterfly Effect, I sat down with Melissa Roberts, a self-proclaimed 'neuro-nerd', third-generation business owner, and the vibrant force behind Wild Wellness NEPA.

We talked about everything from trauma and healing to chasing freedom, following intuition, and finding strength in community, and of course, nature.

Melissa’s story is proof that healing isn’t linear. It’s wild, winding, and deeply personal. Sometimes it looks like paddleboarding alone, being surrounded by cacoons, feeling called to start a drum circle (you’ll get it when you listen), or simply saying yes when the universe whispers.

After the loss of her mother and in the depths of postpartum depression, Melissa turned to nature. And that one simple act sparked a ripple effect that has touched thousands. (Ahhh, chills!)

If you’re a fellow neuro-nerd like Melissa and me, you’ll love this: A study out of the University of Cincinnati found that people who spent just 120 minutes a week outdoors, whether in a park or any natural setting, were significantly more likely to report better health and overall well-being.

So yeah, go outside.

Okay, but most importantly, how does this relate to you?

Melissa's story is filled with honest reminders that healing doesn’t always look like we expect it to. Sometimes it’s dramatic (like redefining your relationship with faith and starting a nonprofit). Sometimes? It's subtle. It’s deciding to go for a walk instead of doom-scrolling. It’s saying yes to a yoga class, even if you go alone. It’s looking up at the sky for 30 seconds before checking your email.

You don’t need a grand plan to reconnect. You just need one moment of willingness.

So, if you’re willing, here’s a gentle prompt for this week:

What’s one way nature has shown up for you in the past… and how can you return to it? You can even think, when I was a kid, I loved to… 

Maybe it’s something big, like hiking. Maybe it’s tiny, like noticing a bird outside your window. Maybe it’s just giving yourself permission to step out of the house. Only you know what the ‘thing’ is. 

Let this be your sign to try.

Behind the Mic: 

I love prepping for every episode! It’s like soul homework. 

Before recording this episode, I stumbled across an article I wrote back in 2023 about the power of morning sky gazing. It stopped me in my tracks and honestly, made me sad. Since moving back to NEPA, and no longer living on the 4th floor of a high-rise, I’ve unintentionally stopped looking up. 

So this episode reminded me: it's time to return.

This was my sky this morning. I feel better already. 

And one more note: 

This is the first time the podcast is available in both audio and video. woohoo! I'm learning as I go, so if you notice a little tech hiccup here or there… same.  I care about your experience and promise it’s only going to get better from here. 

Thank you for giving me grace.

---

Tune in, take what you need, and pass it on. ✨