Rewriting your story with myasthenia gravis

Last updated Nov. 5, 2025, by Jodie Enders

Before myasthenia gravis (MG) entered my life, I was very timeline- and schedule-oriented.

I thrived on setting goals, following a plan, and measuring my progress. Every choice I made was with consideration toward a future I had carefully envisioned. I poured myself into that path.

I have always been introverted and socially anxious, so much of my identity and sense of value was defined by my accomplishments. My career became proof of my worth — a way of showing the world that I had something meaningful to contribute.

Archaeology seemed like the perfect fit. I had worked hard, completed field school, and believed I had found a career path that aligned with my personality and passions.

And just like that, it no longer felt possible, and all the effort I had put into preparing myself for a specific career and way of life had been wasted. Losing that to MG was devastating.

Letting go

When something you have worked for and thought was meant for you is suddenly out of reach, the grief is overwhelming. Even years later, it is hard not to wonder what could have been.

One of my first major steps was accepting that a career based on long, physically demanding days in extreme conditions was no longer an option.

Asking tough questions

MG didn’t just affect my career choices. It took away the freedom to do things at will, whether it involved hobbies, activities, events, or simply being able to say yes to opportunities as they came up.

That further stripping away of identity forced me to confront deeper questions:

Who am I without my accomplishments?
What is left when I can no longer measure myself by productivity or impact?

MG pushed me to look inward and realize that life is more about who you are than what you do.

Changing your mindset

I became more focused on family, close friends, and the simpler moments that carry deeper meaning. Relationships changed, but they also became richer.

My actions are always intentional, even if I can’t spend as much time with people or do the same activities I may desire.

MG reshaped my life into something less about achievement and meeting goals and more about appreciation, love, and support.

Adjusting expectations

The central theme that keeps emerging in my life post-MG diagnosis is the need to change my expectations. By this, I am not saying you should lower them or give up on your dreams. Instead, reframe your expectations in ways that allow for both purpose and health.

Sometimes that may mean doing less but with more intention. Other times, it means redefining what success looks like. It is less about outcome and accomplishments, and more about connection and presence.

Embracing flexibility

MG is unpredictable, like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, never knowing what is up ahead.

For those of you living with MG who, like me, once thrived on control and structure, learning flexibility — both practical and emotional — is essential for your well-being.

Practically, it meant finding a more accommodating job that respected my health needs. Emotionally and mentally, it meant learning to adapt when plans change, symptoms disrupt the day, or life doesn’t go as expected.

At first, those moments felt like proof that the world was against me. Over time, I began to see them as opportunities to grow.

Accepting the unknown

MG has taught me to approach life more openly and see value in unimagined paths.

A career, a relationship, or a plan that looks different from what I had envisioned does not mean failure. It means opportunity. Even when life takes a direction you may never have predicted, there is still room for growth, learning, and meaning.

Every pathway is one of worth and importance, as well as a chance to live and experience.

Adjusting my expectations has shown me that life with MG can still be purposeful, not by clinging to the life I once pictured but by embracing the opportunities and allowing myself to be flexible, intentional, and open to change.

Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.