About Abbey: My Journey as an HSP and Wellness Advocate
Hey there, beautiful souls!
First things first, if you’re a longtime follower or former client, welcome back! It’s so good to “see” you here again. And if you’re new, welcome! I’m Abbey, and it’s such a pleasure to sort of “meet” you. I’m so excited to share a little bit of my story and where life has taken me recently. So grab a cup of tea (or some decaf coffee) and let’s get cozy.
When I started my Instagram account (@strongwithabbey), it was all about documenting my health and fitness journey for the sheer joy of it. I loved creating, writing, and sharing tips that worked for me, hoping they might help someone else. Honestly, back then, I didn’t have a grand plan, just a lot of passion and excitement.
But like so many stories go, I wanted more. My journey led me to health and fitness coaching, with a focus on helping people let go of perfectionism to find ease and success in their health goals. It was fulfilling work, but also deeply challenging, especially as I balanced it with my full-time job as a legal assistant to immigration lawyers (Yep, still doing that too!)
The Hustle That Hurt
In an effort to grow my coaching business, I hired a business coach and went all in. On paper, I was doing all the "right" things. But the more I followed the typical rules of running a business, the more I felt myself fading. My Instagram page turned into a task list, posting felt like something I had to do, not something I loved. I tried to fit into a box I thought I needed to fill, even though it didn’t match who I am.
I kept telling myself, “This is normal. All entrepreneurs go through this.” But deep down, I knew I was different. And in 2023, I got the answer: I’m a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). If you’ve ever felt like the world is just a lot, you might understand. Learning about HSP traits completely shifted my perspective.
Suddenly, everything made sense: why I was so drained, why I struggled with burnout, and why pushing myself harder never seemed to help. I’d been trying to force myself into a mold that wasn’t made for me, and it was exhausting. Sound familiar? If you’re a driven HSP, you’ve probably been there too.
Letting Go to Grow
Let me tell you, deciding to step back from my business wasn’t easy. I had to release my ego and let go of an identity I’d worked so hard to build. It was heartbreaking, but also a huge relief. For once, I didn’t feel like I’d failed, I felt brave.
It reminded me of this line from Taylor Swift: “Sometimes, giving up is the brave thing.” And it was. I learned that letting go doesn’t mean you’re giving up, it means you’re making space for something better. For me, that “something better” was honoring my energy, reclaiming my joy, and creating a life that felt aligned with who I really am.
Where I Am Now
So here I am…Abbey 2.0 (or maybe 5.0 at this point, who’s counting?). I’m a proud HSP who’s found a new way forward, learning how to manage burnout and overwhelm. I’m still passionate, still Type A (can’t fully escape it of course, LOL), but I’m giving myself the grace to follow my intuition and move at my own pace.
You might notice my Instagram looks a little different these days. I’ve archived over 500 posts from the past three years (don’t worry, they’re safely saved, haha). Starting fresh felt scary at first, but now it feels like a continuation…just on a path that fits me better. I’ll still post helpful content occasionally (creating in Canva brings me joy), but this blog, email, and Pinterest will be my main platforms from now on.
What You Can Expect
Here’s what I’ll be sharing on this blog:
Wellness through an HSP lens: Tips for navigating burnout, building sustainable routines, and finding rest that actually feels restful.
Mind, body, and soul care practices: Ideas you can incorporate into daily life to feel more grounded and energized.
Real talk on productivity: How to work smarter, not harder, and create schedules that fit your unique needs (not someone else’s template).
Fitness & nutrition wisdom: Insights from my coaching days, shared with the same passion but without the pressure.
Relatable life updates: Think fun finds, personal growth moments, and glimpses into my HSP-friendly life.
Further down the line, I hope to support other HSPs who want to create online businesses tailored to their energy and values. For now, I’m just excited to share what I’ve learned with you and help you cultivate more deep rest in your life.
A Little About Me
Married my love of nearly 12 years in October 2024.
I’m a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.
Double major in cultural anthropology and psychology.
Cat lover (because, of course!).
Obsessed with personal development books (hard copies only, please!).
Social justice advocate with a focus on immigration, women’s rights, and wellness advocacy.
Scored 26/27 on the HSP scale.
Studied in Ireland in 2019 and dream of going back to Galway.
Big on family time.
Strength training keeps me sane and helps clear my mind.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been with me since the beginning or just found this page, I’m so grateful you’re part of this journey. We’re all a work in progress, and I’m thrilled to share this new chapter with you. Here’s to finding joy, living aligned, and embracing the beautifully sensitive sides of ourselves.
With love and gratitude,
Abbey
