Good morning, everyone.
Today is March 5th, 2026, and it’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous, stunning, amazing, and alive.
This morning started the same way the past few days have started: tired, jetlagged, and slowly trying to wake up. I’m currently on my way to work, doing my usual little morning reflection while the city is just beginning to come alive. The sun was starting to come out, and even though my body still feels like it’s on another time zone, the light outside reminded me that today is still a gift.
I arrived back in San Francisco Sunday evening around 8 PM from my trip, and honestly, I don’t think my body has fully recovered yet. I unpacked a little that night but didn’t fall asleep until around 11 PM. Since then, I’ve been working every day. Today marks my fourth day back at work, and the jet lag is still very real.
This morning I woke up with a headache, and my body just feels heavy. I’m hoping I’m not getting sick. I might just take some Tylenol and take the day slowly. Some days aren’t about thriving — sometimes they’re just about showing up and doing your best with what you have.
Today is going to be a busy clinic day. I have around twenty patients scheduled, which means the day will move quickly whether I’m ready or not. We also have a meeting later this afternoon, so there probably won’t be much downtime.
But we’re here.
We’re showing up.
And that counts for something.
Jet Lag Is Real
I honestly didn’t expect the jet lag to hit me this hard. I thought after a few days I’d feel normal again, but my body clearly disagrees.
On Monday, I was so exhausted that I actually forgot my Nike jacket in my Waymo ride home. I was so sad when I realized it because I had just bought that jacket less than two months ago and really liked it. Now I’m back to wearing my old reliable jacket — the one that somehow shows up in all my videos.
It’s funny how little things like that remind you how tired your brain actually is.
I’ve also been thinking about getting back into yoga, but right now I just need sleep. Real sleep. The kind where your body finally resets.
A Long Day at Work
The day ended up being just as busy as expected. I saw 19 patients, and by the time the afternoon came around, I could really feel the exhaustion in my body.
Some days in healthcare are like that.
You give your energy to everyone else all day long.
But somehow we made it through.
By the time work ended, I was completely drained. But instead of calling a ride home, I decided to walk.
Part of it was practical — the ride was going to take longer than usual — but part of it was also a promise I made to myself. I told myself that when the weather is nice, I should try to walk more and move my body.
So today, I kept that promise.
Walking Through the Castro
Walking home gave me a chance to slow down and actually look around.
I live near the Castro District in San Francisco, and during the daytime it feels completely different than the nightlife people usually associate it with. The streets were quiet, the air was cool, and the neighborhood felt peaceful.
There were trees, murals, flowers, and sunlight spilling between the buildings.
San Francisco has always been a city full of art. Murals appear on walls where you least expect them, adding color and personality to everyday streets. As I walked, I passed the local market, a few bars that are usually busy at night, and some restaurants I love.
There’s also a French restaurant nearby that I once took my boyfriend to. He’s French, so I thought it would be fitting. Little memories like that appear as you walk past familiar places.
It made the walk feel nostalgic in a way.
A Different Era of Life
The Castro is known for its nightlife, but these days I’m not really part of that world anymore.
There was a time when I used to go out more. But life feels different now.
I’ve been in what I like to call my “softness era.”
Less chaos.
Less nightlife.
More reflection.
More quiet.
After my recent trip and everything I’ve been processing emotionally, I can feel that I still have healing to do, especially when it comes to my mental health and my tendency to overthink.
But healing isn’t linear.
Some days you feel strong.
Some days you’re just tired and walking home after a long day.
And both are okay.
Ending the Day
By the time I reached home, I was completely exhausted.
Jet lag is still lingering. My body aches, and I’m hoping I’m not coming down with something. But I’m also reminding myself that I’ve done a lot in the past few days — traveling across the world, returning to work, and trying to re-adjust to everyday life again.
Tomorrow will be another busy day.
And after work, I’ll actually be driving to San Diego, so tonight I need to do a little planning and maybe clean the house before leaving.
Life keeps moving.
But for now, I’m grateful for small things:
A sunny San Francisco afternoon.
A quiet walk home.
And another day where I showed up, even when I was tired.
Sometimes that’s more than enough.
— Jasmine 🌿
Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner 
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