Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner

Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco — January 18, 2026

It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon here at Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco. The sun is out, the city feels alive, and there’s a hum of laughter, music, dogs running freely, and people simply existing. It’s a little louder on one side of the park, so I moved—still with a beautiful view, still surrounded by warmth and light.

And as always, it’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous.

Today feels like one of those days meant for reflection. The kind where you don’t necessarily arrive at answers, but you sit with the questions long enough to understand why they’re there.

My mom and I are traveling to the Philippines soon, and with that comes a lot of thoughts—some exciting, some heavy, some still unformed. I’ve been doing a lot of internal processing about where I want to be, not just geographically, but in life.

I think I know where I want to go.
But I haven’t fully taken the leap yet.

And if I’m being honest, part of that hesitation comes from fear—the fear of the unknown, the fear of making the wrong decision, the fear of changing a life I worked so hard to build.

The Tension Between Knowing and Acting

There’s a strange space between knowing what you want and being ready to act on it. I’m living in that space right now.

I wish I could say I’m 100% confident. I wish I could say, “Yes, this is it, no doubt.” But I’m not there yet—and that’s okay. I’m getting closer, slowly, intentionally, thoughtfully.

I’m planning.
I’m processing.
I’m letting fear coexist with hope.

I don’t want to rush this decision. If I take this leap of faith, I want it to be sustainable, not impulsive. I want a plan—not just a dream. I want to know that when I go, I can stay. That I can build a life that supports both me and my mom, one that allows us to travel, to rest, to live simply and fully.

I know I keep circling this decision, going round and round—but maybe that’s part of honoring it.

Trusting Time as My Ally

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that time is not my enemy. Time is actually my friend.

Right now, I’m fortunate. I’m making enough to live comfortably. I’m saving. I’m learning. I’m building skills, experiences, and stability as a nurse practitioner here in San Francisco. I recognize the privilege in that—and I don’t take it lightly.

San Francisco has been home since 2019. Nearly six years of growth, solitude, survival, healing, and becoming. And while I know this city isn’t my forever home, I’m grateful for what it has given me.

I’m building a future outside of San Francisco while still appreciating the present within it.

Living Simply, Dreaming Honestly

What I want, at its core, is simple.

I want a slower life.
A minimal life.
A life rooted in community, presence, and family.

There’s something about the Philippines—the sense of togetherness, the rhythm of daily life, the way time feels less rushed—that keeps calling me back. And I think part of my longing is also a response to how individualistic life here can feel.

I spend a lot of time alone, and sometimes that solitude can look lonely from the outside. Even from the inside, there are moments where it feels heavy. But there’s also peace here.

These quiet moments—sitting alone in a park, reflecting, recording my thoughts—are where I reconnect with myself. I don’t think I could do this if I were constantly surrounded by people. These moments allow me to listen to my own voice.

And I’ve learned that being alone doesn’t mean being empty.

Learning to Accept Who I Am

One of the biggest lessons I’m still learning is self-acceptance.

I’m shy.
I’m emotional.
I feel deeply.
I struggle to hide how I feel.

For a long time, I thought those things were weaknesses. I carried shame for being quiet, for being sensitive, for not fitting into the version of strength the world often celebrates.

But here’s the truth:
I’m a shy person who became a nurse practitioner.
I’m an emotional person who navigates complex patient care.
I’m someone who feels deeply—and that’s exactly why I connect so well with others.

My solo travel era taught me that I can exist in new places, meet new people, and still be myself. I don’t need to perform. I don’t need to become someone else to belong.

Being shy didn’t stop me.
Being emotional didn’t stop me.
It shaped me.

Letting Go Without Forcing Outcomes

There are also relationships in my life—romantic and platonic—that feel uncertain right now. And instead of trying to control where they’re going, I’m practicing something unfamiliar: letting go without resentment.

I’m naming what I feel.
I’m being honest.
And I’m releasing the rest to the universe.

I’m learning that love doesn’t always mean holding tighter. Sometimes it means loosening your grip and trusting that what’s meant for you will remain—and what isn’t will gently fade.

That doesn’t make it painless.
But it makes it real.

Choosing Presence While Building the Future

At this moment, I don’t have all the answers.

I know where I want to go.
I don’t yet know when or how it will fully unfold.

So for now, I’m choosing to live here—fully present, fully aware, fully grateful—while quietly preparing for what’s next. I’m planting seeds. I’m trusting alignment. I’m allowing timing to do its work.

And maybe that’s enough for today.

It’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous.
And right now, being gorgeous looks like honesty, patience, and trust.

Have a beautiful day. 🤍