Hi, I’m Jacquelyn Bhones—also known as Nurse Jackie—and right now, I’m blooming in a season of purpose and restoration. And truthfully? It’s been a long time coming. For decades, I poured into everyone else. As a nurse, a mother, a mentor—I’ve spent years giving nonstop. I’ve worked 10–12 hour shifts on my feet without eating. I’ve spent money supporting other people’s businesses, cheering for their dreams, even when I wasn’t receiving that same support in return and yet, I kept showing up… because that’s just who I’ve always been.
A giver. A nurturer. A builder. But recently, life shifted. I’m newly married—one year in—after being divorced for 18 years. And my husband just relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, to chase his happiness and career goals. That transition, though tough, gave me space to pause and ask: What do I need in this season?
What I’ve realized is this—selfish isn’t a sin. It’s survival. I can’t keep pouring into others if my own cup is dry. For the first time in a long time, I’m letting myself receive. I’m choosing rest. I’m chasing alignment—not perfection—with God, with my health, and with the purpose he placed in me and let me tell you… it feels like I’m finally breathing again. Peaceful. Powerful. Whole.
One of the biggest challenges that shaped me was running away from home at 16. That choice changed my life. It forced me to grow up, to dig deep, and to believe in more—more for myself, even when others couldn’t see it. It made me realize that faith is an action not just a word. Having faith means praying when you have nothing, praising when everyone has turned their back and you’re standing alone. Promising that you will never make someone feel the stabbing pains of rejection that you feel.
That strength is what I now use to inspire other women through my platform: Simply Average, Extra Real. It’s where I speak truth—raw, faith-filled, unfiltered truth—to women who are tired of filters, fake empowerment, and false promises. I use my voice to remind them: it’s okay to be average… just don’t stay stuck.
I want every woman to remember that sometimes the extraordinary can be found in the ordinary. If you’re in a season where you feel stuck, let me say this: you’re not broken. You’re being called to pause. Sometimes, that stillness is exactly where God begins to work. Start with one act of self-respect, drink the water when thirsty, say no, take the break, or finally reach out for help when your soul is screaming for guidance. Healing begins with obedience.
So what’s next for me in 2025? I’m expanding The Alternate Path Wellness & Transformation Center, launching new programs under my brand The Transformalist, and building a bold, beautiful online community of women just like you—through my YouTube channel Simply Average, Extra Real.
Let’s bloom together. Connect with me at thealternatepath.net, on Instagram at @NurseJackieSpeaks or @thetransformalist_nursejackie, and on Facebook under Jacquelyn Bhones or Simply Average, Extra Real. Email nursejackie@thealternatepath.net
Because healing is sacred. Restoration is yours. And girl, you deserve to bloom boldly. 💐