3 things MG stole from my life (that I absolutely don’t miss)
The disease took things I didn’t need, and made room for things I do
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Myasthenia gravis (MG) has taken plenty from me — strength, stamina, the ability to pretend I’m fine when I’m absolutely not. But here’s the twist nobody expects: Some of the things MG yanked out of my life were things I should’ve tossed years ago. MG may be a thief, but sometimes it steals the junk.
These are the top three losses I don’t miss one bit.
The pressure to power through everything
Before MG, I treated exhaustion like a moral failing. If I wasn’t hustling, grinding, or pushing past my limits, I assumed I was slacking. I’ve never been one to sit on my laurels, as I don’t do idle well.
Now, powering through has been replaced with intentional pacing, banking energy, and the radical act of saying, “Nope, not today.” I learned the power of a two-letter sentence: No. MG forced me to stop treating my body like a rental car I could return with the bumper dragging. I listen, I pause, and I rest on purpose. And I’ve got to say, it feels downright luxurious.
I don’t miss the martyrdom. I don’t miss the burnout. And I definitely don’t miss pretending I’m invincible.
The expectation to be everywhere, for everyone, all the time
Pre‑MG me was a chronic over‑committer. If someone invited me, I showed up even if I was running on fumes. I didn’t want to let anyone down.
MG snatched that habit right out of my hands, and I didn’t even try to grab it back. OK, yes, I did. But it forced me to learn how to prioritize what was actually important — what was worth my time and energy and what wasn’t.
Now I have boundaries, a buffer zone, and a no‑fault cancellation policy that keeps my energy (and sanity) intact. If my body says stop, I stop. If my eyelids say, “We’re clocking out,” I clock out.
I don’t miss being the people‑pleasing Energizer Bunny. MG forced me to choose myself. And (finally) choosing myself feels pretty damn good.
The pressure to maintain fake, performative, or one‑sided relationships
MG didn’t just change my social life; it decluttered it in a spectacular fashion. When your energy becomes a precious resource, you stop spending it on people who only show up when they need something, who treat your boundaries like suggestions, or who expect you to perform “being OK” for their comfort.
I don’t miss the performative friendships, the emotional freeloaders, or the relationships built on convenience instead of care. MG didn’t take my community away; it refined it.
MG took things I didn’t need and made room for things I do. I didn’t ask for MG. I didn’t want it. But I can admit that some of the things it removed were things I should’ve let go of anyway.
MG didn’t just change my life; it streamlined it.
Note: 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. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.
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