Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner

January 31, 2026

Hi everyone. Good evening.

Today is January 31st, 2026 — and it’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous, beautiful, stunning, amazing, kind, humble… and everything else. 💛

Tonight, I’m flying to the Philippines.

Our flight is at 11:30 PM.

And by our, I mean me… and the camera. Because I’m inclusive like that.

Right now, it’s almost 7:00 PM. Before heading to the airport, there was a very necessary stop at In‑N‑Out (because balance). Bags are packed, boxes are taped, and for the first time ever, I’m checking in an actual box. I waited. Hopefully, it’s accepted. If you know, you know.

This is a solo trip — but not really. I’ll be meeting my mom in the Philippines, and that alone makes this journey deeply meaningful.

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A Journey That Feels Like Healing

We went to the Philippines last year to see my mom’s house. We furnished it, made it livable, and turned it into something that finally felt like home. This time, part of the plan is to continue that — adding small touches, making it warmer, more intentional, more us.

But this trip is more than furniture.

It’s a healing journey.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it would feel like to actually move to the Philippines. I had a conversation today with one of my closest friends, JR, about that possibility. What’s holding me back right now is practical — student loans, waiting on forgiveness — but this trip feels like a preview. A soft launch into a different kind of life.

A slower one.

A simpler one.

One where I get to spend more time with my mom.

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Burnout, Boundaries, and Choosing Myself

If I’m being honest, I’m tired.

Not just airport tired — but soul tired.

I think part of it is burnout. I’ve been working nonstop as a nurse practitioner, carrying the weight of other people’s lives, stories, and mental health struggles. I care deeply about my patients. I listen. I hold space. Sometimes, that means I run late — because people deserve to be heard.

But holding space for others without holding space for yourself eventually catches up.

This week, I realized something important: even as a provider, it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure — let’s figure it out together.” And surprisingly, my patients appreciate that honesty. They see the care. They feel it.

Still, the emotional weight adds up.

And that’s why this trip feels perfectly timed.

I need rest.

I need healing.

I need to practice what I tell my patients every day: prioritize yourself.

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Redefining Success

As I sit in the lounge — tired, reflective, and waiting to board — I’m realizing how much has changed this past year.

I survived a difficult environment.
I lost friendships I thought were solid.
I navigated disappointment, grief, and growth.

And yet… here I am.

Still standing.
Still dreaming.
Still choosing myself.

Growing up, success looked like a stable career. Respectability. Achievement.

And I did that.

I became a nurse practitioner. I serve my patients. They trust me. They appreciate me.

But I think I’m outgrowing that version of success.

Now, success looks like this:

• A simple life in the Philippines
• Traveling with my mom
• Showing her parts of the world that shaped me
• Living minimally, intentionally, and authentically

Thailand — especially Bangkok — holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew into the woman I am today. Soon, it will also be the first time I get to share that experience with my mom. And that feels full‑circle in the most beautiful way.

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Gratitude, Growth, and What’s Ahead

Before boarding, I’m sitting with gratitude.

I recently reached 1 million views on Instagram — a goal I once whispered quietly to myself. I hope that momentum continues to amplify what I care about most: inspiring authenticity, healing, and self‑worth.

Lately, I’ve added two new affirmations to my daily mantra:

Another beautiful day to be kind.

Another beautiful day to be humble.

Kind to myself.

Humble in how I live.

Grounded in simplicity.

This is Episode 1 of my healing journey — on the way, somewhere between burnout and becoming, between departure gates and new beginnings.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for joining me.

See you on the other side of the flight.

✨