Ask the Advocate: How do You Stay Motivated with MG?

When living with myasthenia gravis (MG), energy levels, muscle strength, and symptoms can change daily. These fluctuations may be frustrating, and at times, discouraging.

To help others face the hard days with MG, we asked our Myasthenia-Gravis.com advocates, "How do you stay motivated?" Here's what they had to say:

Love for family

This might sound cliché, but love keeps me motivated. If you would have asked me this question in my teenage years or my first few years of being diagnosed ... I would have said, "nothing."

Back in 2018, I met my now fiancé. I never thought anyone could love me or accept my conditions, but he did. He took me to all my doctor appointments, stayed with me through my 6-hour IVIG sessions, and took me to the hospital when I was having a flare-up. He comforted me when I was feeling down and so much more.

Since meeting him I’ve gained a daughter and together we have a son. I know that I can’t give up because I want to see my kids grow up and do extraordinary things. I want to get married and live life to the fullest. - Jazmin Clayton

Find what brings you joy

Staying motivated with MG can be incredibly hard at times. However, finding what you are passionate about and working towards something you genuinely care about tends to help me.

Of course, there are things in life that we have to do or simply do not want to do. But I find that my motivation is rooted in my energy levels. I am most motivated in the mornings when my energy and strength are at their peak, allowing me to get some of those mundane or necessary tasks completed.

I encourage you to do 1 thing every single day that brings you joy. I have beaten myself up for prioritizing my happiness over my "to-dos' because, with MG, you can’t and usually do not always get to have both in 1 day. Nevertheless, in order to get that to-do list completed, you must set aside time for yourself that has no agenda other than to make yourself happy. - Meridith O'Connor

Showing up for loved ones

I stay motivated with MG because of my children and my husband. Being a mom is extremely challenging and having a chronic illness is also extremely challenging. Both in combination can make you feel constantly defeated.

When you have kids though, they can motivate you to push past what you thought you were capable of. They make me want to do everything in my power to heal and get better so I can be the mom they deserve.

I want to show them how to be mentally strong. That you can’t allow even the worst of situations to defeat you. You have to show up, every day, even if that means resting until you can do more. There is a wonderful balance between listening to our bodies and knowing when to keep pushing.

I also want to be the best wife I can be for my husband who constantly shows up for me and supports me. It makes me want to return the favor when I am feeling well. Working towards feeling better for him is also a huge motivation. - Mallory San Nicolas

Community and faith

When I was in the pit of MG drowning in the intensity of a crisis, there were a few things that kept me motivated. The first was my family and community. Having them around me cheering me on meant all the world.

Seeing my child's face and having my husband nearby reminded me of my purpose. A strong community and support system are invaluable to staying motivated in life amidst trying circumstances.

The second was my faith. I was already a spiritual person before my diagnosis, but having MG made me search deeper for meaning. I turned to worship music and encouraging podcasts to uplift my spirit. When I felt anxious or on the brink of a nervous meltdown, I repeated memorized scriptures in my head. It grounded me and reminded me of my truth. - Jessica Liao

Positive self-talk

I stay motivated by telling myself it will get better and finding things to keep me busy during the day according to my ability at that time. If that means just resting all day, then that's what I do.

I keep my mind busy by playing games like card games, word games, doing puzzles on a computer, and doing crafts. I have just recently decided to learn how to play guitar. They have always been too heavy for me to hold, but I found one that I can actually hold and not get fatigued. - Sally Farrier

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