Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner

January 11, 2026
Another beautiful day to be gorgeous, amazing, beautiful, and stunning.

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A Slow Morning, A Soft Reset

Today feels gentle.

It’s warm outside, peaceful, and quiet — the kind of quiet that lets your nervous system finally exhale. I’m still recovering from the flu, so I’ve been moving slowly, intentionally, and with a lot more compassion for my body. Instead of pushing through, I’m choosing rest.

We spent time outside today, soaking in the calm, enjoying the stillness. These moments remind me how healing it is to simply be — without rushing, without expectations, without needing to perform.

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Gratitude for Family

One thing I value deeply in this life is family.

My mom is the most important person in my life right now. I don’t say that lightly. I’m endlessly grateful for her love, her support, and her presence throughout all 37 years of my life.

I’m turning 38 this year — on May 2, 2026 — and just saying that out loud fills me with gratitude. Another year. Another chance. Another opportunity to live.

There were moments in my life, two, three, even four years ago, when I could have easily given up. I was finishing my master’s program, still working as an ICU nurse, and carrying so much unseen weight.

I’m here today because I didn’t give up — and because I allowed myself to ask for help.

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Healing Loudly, Proudly

When I say that I’m healing myself while I’m here in the Philippines, I say it proudly.

This season of rebranding myself — of becoming a better, more aligned version of me — is something I’m deeply thankful for. Healing isn’t passive. It takes courage to look inward, to be vulnerable, to face the parts of yourself you once avoided.

I’m grateful that I sought help when I needed it. I’m grateful that I allowed myself to be vulnerable. Without that, I wouldn’t be here — loving life, seeing beauty again, and viewing the world through a softer, kinder lens.

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Loss, Growth, and Finding Myself Again

The past few years have changed me.

I’ve grown so much — even while losing so much. I’ve lost friends. I’ve lost partners. At times, I felt like I lost myself.

And now, slowly, gently, I’m finding my way back.

That’s why I continue these blogs. That’s why I say, “It’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous.” Because there was a time when I chose darkness. When I isolated myself. When I stayed silent out of shame and confusion.

Today feels different.

I’m not fully there yet — I’m still exploring my identity, still healing — but I can clearly see how far I’ve come. And that progress deserves to be celebrated.

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Celebrating Small Wins

Today’s celebration looks simple.

Mocha cake.

Small wins matter. Especially when you’re only partway through your healing journey. Even one-third into this process, I can confidently say that coming to the Philippines was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself.

This time has allowed me to:

• Rest without guilt
• Choose myself without explanation
• Focus on peace and quiet
• Reframe what success looks like

Growth doesn’t always need a grand milestone. Sometimes, it just needs acknowledgment.

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Simplicity vs. Comfort

I’ve been honest with myself during this journey.

Living in the Philippines isn’t easy — especially when you’re coming from the comforts of life in the United States. California offered ease, income, access, and familiarity.

What draws me here instead is the simplicity.

The peace.
The quiet.
The sense of family and community.

These are things I searched for in the U.S. While I built a chosen family there, I’m learning that not all friendships are meant to last forever — and that realization carries its own grief.

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Attachment, Authenticity, and Boundaries

I’m someone who values deep connection.

When I let people in, I let them in fully. I know now that this makes me someone who gets easily attached — and while some may call that a weakness, I’ve learned to see it as a strength.

The hard lesson I’ve learned is this: not everyone is kind, even when they appear to be. Not everyone values authenticity, even when they say they do.

When someone shows me that my truth isn’t welcome, I choose to step away. I choose environments where honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity are celebrated.

That choice has brought me peace.

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Loving the Introverted, Shy Me

For a long time, I tried to change who I was to belong.

I molded myself into a more outgoing, fun, party version — even though, at my core, I’m introverted, shy, and slow to open up.

That version of me no longer exists.

I now value friendships that see all of me — the quiet me, the emotional me, the one who needs time and safety to open up.

And I’m learning to love that version of myself.

There is beauty in being shy.
There is strength in being emotional.
There is power in vulnerability.

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Separating Identity from Accomplishments

This journey has also taught me something profound.

I am more than my résumé.

Yes — I went to UC Berkeley.
Yes — I became a nurse, then an ICU nurse, then a nurse practitioner.

But beyond the accolades, titles, and achievements — there is me.

This version of myself — honest, raw, imperfect — deserves love too.

It took me a long time to be able to look into the camera and celebrate myself without shame. To speak confidently. To own my story.

And I’m proud of that growth.

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Choosing Myself, Fully

Right now, this season is about holding myself.

Holding my emotions.
Holding my thoughts.
Listening without judgment.

After 37 years of chasing dreams, achievements, and stability, I’m finally allowing myself to pause.

To listen.
To reflect.
To love.

This is my time.

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Closing Reflection

I’m grateful for another chance at life.
Grateful for this reset.
Grateful for the quiet.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening. Thank you for allowing me to share this version of myself — honest, evolving, and real.

It’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous.

With love,
Jasmine