How to Thrive With Myasthenia Gravis: Building Community, Practicing Mindfulness, and Empowering Yourself

Community, to me, isn’t about everyone agreeing or seeing eye to eye on everything. It’s about finding common ground, something that unites us even when we have different perspectives or experiences. As someone living with myasthenia gravis (MG), I’ve learned that community is about learning how to thrive together, even when the road is tough.

Facing my greatest challenge

I recently underwent a difficult surgery, and the challenges that came with my MG made the experience even more overwhelming. My recovery was far from easy. But in the midst of it all, it was my community — both in-person and online — that made all the difference. These communities gave me the space to not just survive but to truly thrive, even when I felt at my lowest.

The struggle to do more

I know many of you reading this are also grappling with wanting to do more than your body is currently capable of. That’s a universal challenge for so many of us. And like many of you, I’ve had to learn how to sit with grace and patience as I navigate these limitations. It’s a hard lesson, but one that keeps unfolding as I grow.

Embracing adaptive technology

Right now, as I write this, I’m not using a keyboard like I used to. I’m dictating these words into my iPad, using adaptive technology because I can no longer rely on a stylus or a mouse without overexerting myself. I’m learning to embrace these tools, realizing that creating impact doesn’t mean pushing my body to its breaking point. Instead, it’s about stepping back, reassessing, and figuring out how I can continue to contribute — while being mindful of my own well-being.

Practicing grace with ourselves

This journey isn’t easy, and I’m still working on practicing grace for myself. But I’m sharing this with you because I want to encourage you to do the same. When we face challenges, it’s okay to pause, to breathe, and to look for new ways to make a difference. It won’t look like it did before, and that’s okay. I’ve come to realize that each time we share a part of our journey, we’re helping someone else know they’re not alone. We are creating a ripple of empowerment with every story, every action, no matter how small.

A call to empowerment

So, I challenge you to reflect on your own journey. What’s one thing you can do today to continue empowering yourself, to keep moving forward? Whether it’s adapting a new tool, sharing your story, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply and rest, know that each step matters. Together, we can lift each other up, and together, we can thrive. Let’s start today.