January 9, 2026 — Filipina Nurse Practitioner Diaries
Hi everyone. Good morning.
Today is January 9th, 2026, and it’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous. Gorgeous, gorgeous.
This morning, we’re doing our Filipina Nurse Practitioner Diaries on the way to work — a little reflection, a little rambling, and a lot of honesty. It’s cold outside as I wait for Waymo, but my heart feels warm and hopeful.
One thing that’s been grounding me lately is having something to look forward to. I’m really excited about my upcoming trip to the Philippines. I know it’s going to be a time of healing, rest, and joy. We’ll be gardening, planting seeds, slowing down, and spending intentional time together. Most of all, I’m excited to build something new — Mother & Daughter Diaries — a series that feels meaningful, long-term, and rooted in love.
Choosing to Live, Not Just Survive
On the ride to work this morning, I found myself reflecting on something I heard recently: living versus surviving.
That idea stayed with me.
For so long, I lived in survival mode — working to get through the day, through the shift, through the next responsibility. And while survival got me here, I’m realizing that now, at 37, I’m learning how to live.
Living, for me, looks like choosing intentionally.
I’m choosing to live in San Francisco — one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I know it gets criticized a lot for what people choose to focus on: homelessness, addiction, struggle. Those realities exist. But so does beauty. The parks. The neighborhoods. The colorful houses. The quiet moments of sunlight between buildings.
I want my videos to reflect that fuller truth.
Living the Dream I Worked For
I’m also living a dream I worked incredibly hard for — being a nurse practitioner.
Serving the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, gives my work deep meaning and purpose. It fills me with pride. This chapter of my life is still a choice, one I make every day with intention.
At the same time, I hold another dream close to my heart.
I see myself in the Philippines. I see myself traveling the world with my mom. I see a slower, simpler, more sustainable life — one rooted in connection, presence, and joy.
Right now, I’m building toward that future. I could take the leap today, but for me, building something that can last feels important. I want sustainability. I want peace. I want longevity.
And I trust myself enough now to know when it’s time.
Lunchtime Diaries: Learning to Pause
Later in the day, I took my lunch outside — something I couldn’t have imagined doing earlier in my career.
There was a time when lunch meant catching up on notes, overthinking decisions, and pushing through exhaustion. Now, I step outside. I sit in the sun. I eat slowly. I reflect.
This shift matters.
I’m learning that my identity is more than my job. Yes, I’m a nurse practitioner. But I’m also a human being — someone who deserves rest, joy, and space to simply exist.
Finding that balance has become one of my biggest intentions.
Overthinking, Growth, and Self-Trust
I know I tend to overthink — especially when it comes to my work. Recently, I worried that I wasn’t doing enough for a patient, that I might have missed something.
Instead of criticism, I received reassurance.
I was reminded that asking for help, seeking guidance, and advocating for patients is doing my best.
That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how much anxiety comes from self-doubt — and how powerful reassurance and self-trust can be.
Healing, Confidence, and Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the past few years, I’m struck by how much has changed.
There was a time not long ago when I was deeply struggling with depression and anxiety. And now — I see the world differently. I see myself differently.
I’m more confident. More grounded. Less afraid of my own thoughts.
I’m opening myself up to possibility. To vulnerability. To being seen, heard, and felt.
That’s why I keep writing. That’s why I keep sharing.
Because if my story helps even one person feel less alone, more seen, or more confident in their truth — then this journey is worth it.
Final Reflections
Today reminded me that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens quietly — in lunch breaks, car rides home, moments of reflection.
I’m growing. I’m changing. I’m building a future — for myself and for my mom.
And I’m excited for what’s to come.
It’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous.
Thank you for being here.
With love,
Jasmine
Please like, comment, share, and follow along on Instagram @inspireauthenticliving, TikTok, and Facebook. This is part of my ongoing Filipina Nurse Practitioner Diaries — thank you for being here.
Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner 
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