I’m Dr. Abby Grammer Horton—nurse educator, researcher, and passionate advocate for wellness and the nursing profession. As an Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing, I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. I also serve as President of the Alabama State Nurses Association, where I work to elevate the voice and well-being of nurses across the state. At home, I’m a proud mom of five, committed to living out the same sustainable wellness practices I encourage in others—balancing career, family, and self-care with intention and heart.
My wellness journey began when I realized I was constantly exhausted, juggling responsibilities, and putting myself last. I knew something had to change—not just for my physical health, but for my overall quality of life. The turning point came when I had a major abdominal repair surgery (for diastasis recti related to pregnancy) in my early 30s. I knew I wanted a more vibrant life. From there, I began a recovery journey layering in habits that helped me feel stronger, clearer, and more in control of my day-to-day life. I was so inspired by the transformation that I went on to complete a health and life coach certification to deepen my understanding of sustainable wellness—not just for myself, but to support others on their journey as well.
One challenge I’ve faced in my wellness journey is overcoming all-or-nothing thinking and learning to value consistency and self-compassion over perfection.
To support my well-being, I’ve incorporated simple but meaningful practices into my routine—like walk-and-talks with friends, morning sunshine, meditation, journaling, and red light therapy—to stay grounded and energized throughout the week.
I began my wellness journey with the CC25K program and later added Strive for 5. Both initiatives played a key role in jumpstarting my wellness and weight loss journey, helping me build consistency, confidence, and momentum. It also gave me a supportive community that kept me motivated and accountable.
My wellness journey has had a ripple effect across every area of my life. Prioritizing my health has improved my energy, focus, and resilience at work, strengthened my relationships through greater presence and peace, and helped me show up more fully—both for others and for myself. Overall, I feel more grounded, resilient, and aligned in both my personal and professional life.
One of the best changes I’ve noticed is how much more steady and sustainable my energy feels throughout the day. I no longer feel like I’m running on empty by mid-afternoon. My focus has sharpened, I recover from stress more quickly, and I’m more intentional with how I spend my time. These shifts have helped me feel more in control of my day rather than constantly reacting to it.
Start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. You don’t need a perfect plan to begin—just one step that feels doable today. Focus on building habits that nourish you, not punish you, and remember that progress is often quiet and slow before it’s visible. Your future self will thank you for every choice you make to show up for your well-being. It took 8 YEARS for me to lose 100 lbs and change my health for the better – but I never gave up! The sunglasses in my photo are a nod to the lyrics in Sia’s “Unstoppable”—a reminder that everyone deserves a personal anthem. Sometimes, the right song can help you show up with strength, even on the hardest days.
To sustain my well-being, I plan to keep up the core habits that work for me—like daily movement, meal prepping, getting outside for morning sunshine, and setting boundaries around rest. I also schedule regular check-ins with myself to reassess what’s working and what needs adjusting. Staying organized, planning ahead, and protecting time for recovery are key strategies I use to maintain momentum and avoid burnout.
Recently, I surprised a colleague with a handwritten note and their favorite coffee during a tough week. It was a small gesture, but it reminded me how meaningful simple kindness can be—especially in busy seasons when we all need a little extra encouragement.