Meet Jocelyn Francisco | Licensed Clinical Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jocelyn Francisco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jocelyn, what principle do you value most?
As a psychologist, an important exercise I have clients do is identify their values. Personal values are a central part of who you are – and who you want to be. By becoming mindful of these important factors in your life, it can be a useful guide to decision-making. Some of life’s decisions are really about determining what you value most. I value love. We all have the capacity to love. Although love comes from within, its real value comes when it radiates outwards and impacts life in a profound and meaningful way. The incredible aspect of love is its ability to take various forms; especially, the form of self-love. Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from honoring our emotions, meeting ourselves with loving-kindness, and engaging in actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. It means taking care of our own needs and not sacrificing our well-being to please others. Self-love means not settling for less than we deserve. When we hold ourselves in high esteem, we are more likely to choose things that nurture our well-being. I recognize that feeling love and compassion for ourselves is challenging and something many individuals struggle with, including myself, but I firmly believe in the following quote by Yung Pueblo, “Every time someone loves themselves better, builds their self-awareness, understands their patterns, improves their ability to communicate and expands their compassion for others, the future of humanity grows brighter. Your healing impacts the world by bringing in new peace.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I became a licensed clinical psychologist because I wanted to study and understand the function of human behaviors. In my practice, I support clients in exploring and reflecting on how behaviors and ways of being can cause suffering. I provide a space in which vulnerability, mental health, healthy boundaries, and self-compassion are normalized. It is my hope that they will find healing and forgiveness around past hurts and discover the freedom and courage to act from love. Professionally and personally, I have had many opportunities to learn that if you want to make changes in your life, you must get comfortable with being uncomfortable. As humans, we are creatures of comfort. Our comfort zone provides a sense of familiarity, security, and certainty. With every life transition, being uncomfortable, whether or not by choice, has challenged me to learn, grow and try new things. Trying new things has influenced my creativity. My children have been my inspiration for the creation of Little Yellow Jeepney and the language series: Oh My Kulay! Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo Ito Ay Obalo, Abakada, Pamilya Ko, and Balikbayan Box: Journey to the Philippines. I believe that language serves as a bridge to connect my children and me to our roots, and also helps to preserve and promote our culture.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego with its practically perfect weather, miles and miles of spectacular shoreline and world-class beaches has so many amazing places to explore. Here are a couple of my favorite adventures: Begin with brunch in Little Italy at Morning Glory. Afterwards, stroll around Shelter Island and take the ferry to Coronado Island. Rent beach cruisers and explore The Coronado Hotel, sand dunes, and have gelato at Nado Gelato Cafe. Explore Point Loma by starting at the tide pools and Point Loma Lighthouse. Have lunch at Liberty Public Market and conclude with a leisurely walk on the Bessemer Path looking at boats in La Playa Anchorage behind Shelter Island.  Take a hike through Maple Canyon in Balboa Park and have lunch at Buona Forchetta in South Park. Then visit Verbatim Books, where you can purchase Oh My Kulay! Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo, Ito Ay Obalo, and Abakada. While it is very possible to spend many hours at Verbatim, make time to admire the wall murals/street art throughout North Park as you head towards An’s Dry Cleaning for more gelato.  Visit Sunny Jim Cave in La Jolla. Inside the Cave Store is a century-old bootlegger’s tunnel that leads through the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove into Sunny Jim’s sea cave. Afterwards, take a charcuterie picnic to Shell Beach while getting vitamin “sea” and D. Visit Mt. Soledad and chase the sunset at Torrey Pines Gliderport.  Order tacos and rice and beans at Las Cuatro Milpas in the neighborhood of Barrio Logan. The area is also home to Chicano Park, which has the largest concentration of Chicano Murals. Afterwards, walk the trails by the Living Coast Discovery Center, a family friendly aquarium and nature center. End the day ordering adobada fries from one of the many delicious Mexican food places in San Diego and catch a movie at South Bay Drive-In Theatre.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My roots. Because our beginnings are the basis of our beings and my roots have helped shape me. My family and friends for providing meaningful connections. My parents who immigrated across the world to afford me a better life. My children who have enriched my life and are a constant inspiration to be better than I was yesterday. My partner who is always ready to build with me and is committed to going through this adventure together.

Website: www.littleyellowjeepney.com

Instagram: @littleyellowjeepney

Facebook: @littleyellowjeepney

Image Credits
Kristen Keyes Photography for portrait.