Listening to my body carefully enables me to continue doing what I love
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Aesthetician and permanent makeup artist Devi Rose Cabañez has learned to be mindful and not push herself too hard. (Photos courtesy of Devi Rose Cabañez)
In recognition of Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month in June, the Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by myasthenia gravis, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or X for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MGAwarenessMonth, or read the full series.
My name is Devi Rose Cabañez, and I’m a 35-year-old aesthetician and permanent makeup artist from the Philippines. Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) while working full time is a daily challenge many people don’t see behind the scenes. On the outside, I help clients feel confident and beautiful by offering them skin treatments and permanent makeup. But inside, I’m constantly managing a condition that affects my endurance, energy, and strength.
My usual workday is about eight hours. That may sound normal to others, but for someone with MG, every hour requires extra effort. Simple tasks like standing for long periods, holding tools steadily, and focusing my eyes can be physically exhausting. There are moments when my hands feel weak, my eyelids become heavy, and my body just wants to rest. But I keep going because I love what I do.
Being an aesthetician isn’t just a job for me; it’s my passion. I enjoy making my clients feel good about themselves. Seeing their smiles after a treatment gives me motivation to push through even on difficult days.
However, managing MG means that I have to listen to my body carefully. I take short breaks when needed, stay mindful of my energy, and make sure I don’t push beyond my limits.
Simple tasks such as standing for long periods are extremely challenging with MG, says Cabañez.
There are days when fatigue hits harder than usual. On those days, even getting through a full shift feels like a big achievement. But instead of giving up, I remind myself why I started: my dreams, my clients, and my desire to prove that having MG doesn’t define my capabilities.
One of the biggest challenges of MG is that it is an invisible illness. People may not always understand what I’m going through because I look fine on the outside. But internally, it’s a constant battle between strength and weakness.
That’s why awareness is so important. By sharing my story, I hope more people will understand that people with MG can still live productive and meaningful lives, even if we need to work a little differently.
I’ve learned to adapt. I’ve become more patient with myself. I celebrate small wins, such as finishing a full day of work, completing a detailed procedure, or simply getting through a tiring day without giving up. These moments may seem small, but for me, they are victories.
To anyone else living with MG, know that you are not alone. It’s OK to slow down, rest, and take care of yourself. Strength doesn’t always mean pushing harder — it also means knowing when to pause.
As an aesthetician with MG, I continue to show up every day, not just for my clients, but also for myself. My condition may be part of my life, but it doesn’t stop me from pursuing my passion. Through awareness, understanding, and support, we can continue to break barriers and inspire others living with MG.
