Living in the moment with MG is ‘where the magic happens’

Misha Page learned to embrace mindfulness and to change her response to stress after she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. (Courtesy of Misha Page)

This is Misha Page’s story:

It all began when I was diagnosed with a rather fancy sounding, but incredibly debilitating, autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis (MG). This unexpected twist forced me to reassess how I handle stress and taught me the importance of living in the present.

Initially, I was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. The symptoms, such as muscle weakness and fatigue, posed real challenges in my daily life. After doing extensive research, I found the mind-body connection is greater than people may think. I realized my own stress responses had always been excessive. Being highly sensitive, even the tiniest trigger resulted in a major fight-or-flight response. I decided it was time for me to re-evaluate my stress management strategies and find healthier ways to cope.

Living with a chronic illness made me acutely aware of how stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. I started paying close attention to the sources of my stress and how they affected my well-being. This newfound awareness was a game changer.

Enter the world of self-discovery and self-care! I learned that taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally was absolutely essential. I started doing things that brought me joy and peace. Whether it was going for a leisurely nature walk, practicing meditation, or indulging in creative outlets, these became my trusted companions in finding balance.

Misha Page said being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis forced her to re-evaluate her priorities. (Courtesy of Misha Page)

One of the most transformative aspects of my MG journey has been embracing mindfulness and the art of living in the present moment. Life can throw some unexpected curveballs at us. MG made me realize that fully immersing myself in the present was not just important, but necessary. Qigong and Yin yoga have been a great help.

MG had a way of flipping my perspective upside-down. I realized how fragile life was and how precious time was. I was prompted to re-evaluate my priorities and focus on what truly mattered, to savor the beauty of everyday moments and cherish even the simplest joys that often go unnoticed. My relationships with loved ones deepened and I developed a renewed appreciation for the present, which became my guiding light.

Living with a chronic illness requires resilience. Each day presents its own set of hurdles, but I’m learning to face them head-on, drawing strength from my experiences. Challenges no longer intimidate me. Instead, they’ve become opportunities for growth and personal development.

My journey with myasthenia gravis has been a roller coaster of emotions, self-discovery, and personal growth. Through self-care, mindfulness, and a shift in priorities, I’ve found inner strength. Relish every moment, find joy in the little things, and learn to foster a healthier relationship with stress. Life is full of surprises, but it’s in the present where the magic happens.

In recognition of Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month in May, the MG Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MG, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MGSpotlight, or read the full series.