Natalie Morales, a prominent figure in journalism and entertainment, has navigated a dynamic career and personal life, marked by significant changes and a commitment to wellness. From her early years traveling the world to her recent roles in television, Morales embodies adaptability and a dedication to personal growth. This article explores her journey, focusing on her career transitions, wellness practices, and her approach to life's challenges.
A Global Upbringing: The Foundation for a Versatile Career
Growing up in Taiwan, Brazil, Panama, and Spain provided Morales with a unique perspective. Her upbringing served as "the perfect training ground for a budding journalist," fostering curiosity and a willingness to explore new territories. These early experiences instilled in her the ability to adapt to change and live in the present, qualities that have been invaluable throughout her career. The lessons she’s learned from facing new challenges - whether in her career, in training for a marathon, or in being a mom - are invaluable to Morales.
Career Transitions: From News to Entertainment
Morales' career reflects her adaptability and drive. After 14 years with Today and prior experience at MSNBC, she transitioned to Los Angeles to host Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live. This move marked a significant shift from hard news to entertainment reporting, yet Morales viewed it as a "natural evolution." She and her husband had long talked about moving west, and they wanted to do it while they were still young and their kids could transition easily.
She emphasizes that her core journalistic skills remain relevant regardless of the subject matter. "Being a journalist is about having curiosity and talking to people to find out what the real story is, and that’s the skill set I bring to every story I report on." Whether covering trapped Chilean miners or interviewing Clint Eastwood, Morales focuses on uncovering the essence of each person's journey.
Embracing Change as an Opportunity
Morales approaches change with a positive mindset, viewing it as an opportunity for growth. "I always look at change as an opportunity," she states. When anticipating a potential change, she advises envisioning the ideal outcome. "If you see a potential change coming - if you feel like you might need a job change, for instance - think about where you see yourself. If you could pick the ideal job, what would it be? You have to see yourself in that position." She recalls a time when someone suggested she would be good on Today, and while initially dismissing the idea, she began to imagine herself in that role, ultimately realizing it was attainable. In planning for our move to the West Coast, I would imagine what it could be like if this was actually my life.
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The Importance of Balance and Saying "No"
Like many, Morales acknowledges the struggle to maintain balance in life. "Like everyone, I struggle to have balance. In fact, I think it might be impossible." With multiple shows and commitments, she focuses on prioritizing what is best for herself and her family. She also recognizes the importance of setting boundaries and saying "no," a lesson she considers one of the biggest she has learned. While there’s not much downtime right now with doing three shows, I try to focus on what’s best for me and my family. It’s challenging. I also have to remember that it’s impossible to be everything to everyone and it’s OK to say no. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.
Fitness as Therapy
Fitness plays a crucial role in Morales' life, serving as a form of therapy. "Fitness is my therapy, so to feel my best, I go for a run, do some strength training in my gym at home, or go hiking with my [Access Hollywood] cohost Kit Hoover during our breaks most days." She emphasizes the connection between happiness and health, noting that prioritizing self-care makes her a better mom, wife, and person. For me, being happy is tied to being healthy, and vice versa, and when I make time for myself, I’m a better mom, a happier wife, a better person. I just feel more complete.
Understanding the Complexities of Well-being
Understanding the complexities of weight loss is essential to our approach, recognizing it as a journey that encompasses mental, emotional, and physical health. With a focus on sustainable and healthy lifestyle changes, our team provides personalized support and strategies designed to empower you. Maintaining health and proper nutrition is essential for overall well-being. Your journey to a healthier weight starts here! Weight loss involves more than eating less or exercising more-it requires the right mindset, medical support, and a realistic plan. At World Psychiatry (formerly South Florida Psych Integrated Care Concierge), our weight loss programs are structured to address every layer of that process. Choosing a structured weight loss program can make a major difference in how successful and sustainable progress feels. If weight changes are affecting how you feel, your energy, or your health, a structured program can help clarify what to do next. Most programs allow for flexibility, especially if balance and portion awareness are part of the focus. Some people benefit from using options like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, but others rely on lifestyle changes alone. Many people with existing conditions see improvements with guided weight loss. The timing depends on the person’s starting point and how consistent the plan is.
Navigating Loss and Grief: The Case of Dr. Monica Beltran
While seemingly unrelated to weight loss, the narrative surrounding Natalie Morales' role as Dr. Monica Beltran in Grey's Anatomy provides insight into the unpredictable nature of life and career, mirroring the ups and downs of a wellness journey. The Season 22 premiere of Grey's Anatomy revealed that Dr. Beltran succumbed to her injuries sustained in a hospital explosion.
Series showrunner Meg Marinis explained that the decision to kill off Dr. Beltran was a creative choice driven by the story's direction. Marinis stressed that any character could have been killed off, with her team thoroughly discussing each one before making their final decision. Ultimately, Marinis made the decision to kill off Dr. Beltran, who had joined the show in Season 20 as a pediatric surgeon. Dr. Beltran died from internal bleeding caused by injuries sustained in the explosion.
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Despite the fictional nature of the character, the outpouring of grief from fans highlights the emotional impact of such narratives. Marinis told Variety that she had to make "a very difficult" phone call to the actress, though she noted that Morales was an "absolute professional" during their conversation. Marinis added that with Monica’s death, they wanted to show “how amazing of a character that Monica was, how selfless she was, how she died doing what she was called to do in life, which is to be a pediatric surgeon.”
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