Day in the life of a Filipina Nurse Practitioner

Happy Sunday, everyone. Today we decided to head out for a little adventure with our dog, Dots. On the drive there, we were already thinking that maybe next weekend should be the day we finally wash the car—but for today, the plan was simple: sunshine, fresh air, and a trip to Fort Funston. For those who don’t know, Fort Funston is one of the most beautiful dog beaches in San Francisco, and honestly, it might just be Dots’ favorite place in the world. The moment she realizes where we are, you can see the excitement in her little body. It’s like heaven for her—wide open space, sand dunes, ocean breeze, and the freedom to run wild and free.

The day was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was shining, the breeze was soft, and the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean were glowing in that special San Francisco light. We walked along the trails and sand dunes while Dots explored every corner she could find. She ran, dug in the sand, chased the wind, and looked so incredibly happy. Sometimes we had to tell her, “Dots, don’t get too dirty!” but of course that’s impossible at the beach. Sand everywhere, but pure joy too.

As we wandered around, we noticed the old concrete bunkers scattered along the cliffs—remnants from wartime days that still stand quietly overlooking the ocean. It’s strange and fascinating at the same time, thinking about the history while standing in such a peaceful place. From certain spots on the cliffs, you can even see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, along with the familiar rows of San Francisco houses tucked along the hills.

Eventually we climbed up the sand dunes to the very top. The view from there was breathtaking—the ocean stretching endlessly, the wind brushing through the grass, and Dots running happily across the sand. Moments like that make you pause and realize how beautiful simple days can be. No big plans, no complicated thoughts. Just life happening exactly as it is.

Dots has been with me since the pandemic, and she truly became my little companion during a time when life felt very isolating. When many people stayed away because of COVID, I would come home to Dots every day, and she was always there—excited, loving, happy just to see me. In many ways, she kept me grounded during those difficult times. She has been my rock, my little angel, and someone who reminds me that love can be simple and unconditional.

We spent part of the afternoon just sitting in the sand, breathing deeply, feeling the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze from the ocean. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply exist in the moment—no pressure, no overthinking, just noticing what’s in front of you.

Lately I’ve realized that a lot of my anxiety comes from things I can’t control and from overthinking. Some nights I wake up at three in the morning with thoughts racing through my mind. I wish there were a switch I could flip to quiet them, but life doesn’t really work that way. I do have a therapy session coming up this Friday, and I’m hopeful it will help. I’ve also realized that I probably need to find a therapist outside of work so that I can keep those boundaries clear.

One thing I’ve been proud of lately is learning to choose myself. For a long time, I made decisions based on what other people thought or expected from me. As someone who tends to be a people pleaser, that was almost automatic. But recently I’ve been practicing something different—making choices based on my own values, my own experiences, and what feels right for me. It hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes choosing yourself means losing people along the way. But even if I could go back and choose again, I think I would still choose the same path.

At 37, I feel like I’m finally beginning to understand who I am. For many years, I think I was running from parts of myself. Now I’m slowly learning to accept them. I’m not perfect, and I still have a lot of healing and growing to do, but that’s okay. Growth begins with honesty—seeing yourself clearly and deciding who you want to become.

Today wasn’t meant to be a deep reflection day. It was supposed to be simple: a Sunday at the beach, running through sand dunes with Dots, soaking up the sun. But sometimes the ocean, the wind, and a quiet moment have a way of bringing thoughts to the surface.

So here we are—another beautiful day to be alive, to breathe, to grow, and to be a little bit more ourselves.

And as I always like to say, it’s another beautiful day to be gorgeous. ✨