Another Day to Be Gorgeous: Filipina Nurse Practitioner Diaries

December 27, 2025 | San Francisco, CA

Morning Intentions & a New Idea

Good morning. Today felt like one of those slow, meaningful days that remind me why I started documenting my life in the first place.

We began the day with something very ordinary: a Costco run with my mom and my brother. Somewhere between grabbing groceries and laughing in the aisles, I had an idea that felt small but powerful. Starting January 1st, I want to commit to a daily reel—one where I remind myself that I am beautiful, worthy, and allowed to take up space. Not for validation, not for perfection, but as a daily practice of self-appreciation. I want to see how a year of speaking kindly to myself might change my life.

Costco Runs, Family Chaos, and Holiday Quiet

After Costco (which somehow turned into a $200 trip instead of the planned $60—anyone with a Filipino mom will understand), we decided to make the most of the day. The holidays had just passed, the rain had finally stopped, and San Francisco was unusually quiet. Many people leave the city during this time, and it felt like we had the roads, the views, and the city to ourselves.

Driving Through San Francisco & Remembering Why This City Feels Like Home

As we drove through the outskirts of San Francisco, I was reminded—again—how lucky I am to call this place home, even if just for now. The hills, the ocean views, the familiar curves of the roads leading toward the Golden Gate Bridge—it still feels surreal after more than five years of living here. I never get tired of it.

Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge always takes me back to my first days in San Francisco. The first time I stood there, everything felt magical and overwhelming at the same time. Today, it felt grounding. A reminder of how far I’ve come.

Sausalito Seafood, Long Lines, and Shared Meals

From there, we headed north to Sausalito for lunch at a fish market. The line was long—almost an hour—but the wait turned out to be worth it. We shared fish tacos, fish and chips, clam chowder, pasta with clams, and salmon. Watching my mom enjoy the food made the wait disappear. These are the moments I want to remember: sitting across from her, listening to her stories, sharing meals, and simply being together.

Mount Tamalpais: Nature, Movement, and Mental Health

After lunch, we drove up toward Mount Tamalpais. With full stomachs and slightly tired legs, we decided to hike anyway. The views from Mount Tam never disappoint—rolling green hills, glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, and the entire Bay Area stretching out below us. Standing there, breathing in fresh air, I felt something loosen inside me. Nature has a quiet way of reminding me what really matters.

As a nurse practitioner, I live a life that often feels fast, demanding, and mentally heavy. Days like this—being outdoors, moving my body, laughing with family—are deeply healing. They pull me back into my body and out of my anxious thoughts.

Choosing Presence Over Productivity

What stood out most today wasn’t the scenery or the food, though both were incredible. It was the alignment. Spending time with my mom and my brother. Choosing presence over productivity. Letting go of overthinking and simply enjoying where I am.

Gratitude, Privilege, and the Life I’m Intentionally Creating

I feel incredibly grateful for the life I’m building. I know I’m privileged to be in my position professionally, but I’m learning to appreciate the quieter blessings just as much: time, health, family, and moments that don’t need to be rushed.

Today reaffirmed something important for me—this is the life I want to keep choosing. One where I make space for the people I love. One where I take care of my mental health. One where I show up for myself with kindness.