lifewithomg

The following post contains a private letter that I wrote to myself in 2016, an open letter to myself present day in 2026, and a semi-private letter to my future self in 2036.

2016

November 26, 2016

Dear Olivia,

You are awesome. You’re one of the greatest people I know. You care for others and only wish to make them happy. Don’t sell yourself short. You are loved by many. Your family, your friends, and your church support you in your decisions. Be yourself. Be kind. Know that God is always with you. You don’t need a significant other in your life to be happy (but you knew that already.) You are so wrapped in wishing to be like others. Eagerly waiting for that “right guy” to come along. Don’t give up hope! God’s ways are always better. Remember to always trust Him. He will never forsake you. Don’t be sad, be happy! Take heart! For God has overcome the world.

Always remember to love everyone. Don’t be selfish. It’s okay if things don’t go your way.

Showing your emotions is not bad. Hiding them is.

We have each other and God. None can stop us. Why? Because you were destined to reign.

Always with love,

OMG

2026

How? How are we already ten years past these epic moments that shaped your adulthood? This week, I read the journal entries that you wrote throughout 2016 and man, what a wild time. That letter really took you through some tough situations over the last ten years! So many emotions, but if your could see yourself now, Olivia. If you could see and know then what you know now?! Oh, man. Now you’re crying. What has God done?? Everything. And sometimes, you’re kicking and screaming through the changes, while other times, you’re leaping at the chance to do something that you just know was His idea because it’s always beyond your wildest (and I truly mean wildest) dreams.

Not gonna lie, you should be a little embarrassed for how you acted when you were in your younger 20s. You really thought you were grown, huh? Not saying you thought you knew everything, but man, you were dang near close. My heart broke at some of the words you wrote. The confusion you felt when friendships shifted, the day you realized you were the last single sibling with no kids in your family, the gut wrench of hurt and loss felt when your hero, your grandmother, passed away (and that was just the beginning years). Pain was never a foreign concept. But even through it all, you turned back to the only One you knew that could make sense of it all. Even when you were angry, jealous, sad, and confused, you eventually made your way back. You dropped out of college – a monumental move; one that showed your first act of truly, utterly trusting God and experiencing a supernatural peace and certainty that was both familiar and foreign. It happened again when you quit your job and moved to Mexico. These decisions, epic as they were, went against every logical, picture perfect plan you had for your life… the one that was determined to meet a man in college, fall in love, and be done having kids by the age of 30. Oh, how colossally wrong you were.

You found yourself. And now you’re crying again because surprise surprise, you’re still finding yourself and have learned the process is a bit of a roller coaster. You’ve recently deemed yourself as an Extreme Hobbyist and it just feels oh so right to say. You went from limiting your dreams to figuring out how to make them a reality. You haven’t mastered it quite yet, but you definitely lean into the things you’re passionate about and continue to do things that scare you.

You started writing and somehow became a writer. It was an accident, really. In college, you heard rumors about a super tough writing professor who was harsh with his grades. (You even tried to transfer out before the semester started!) Then, he gave you an A on the first assignment and you literally said to yourself, “I thought this was supposed to be hard??” Naturally, you kept that essay… and every other one after that. You found that writing helped your process life, then dropped out of college and after a friend suggested you document your adventures through a blog, you hesitated. You didn’t think anyone would want to follow along. All you know to do is write from the heart and enjoy telling a good story. I’m so glad you changed your mind.

You found a love for public speaking. After you presented for the first time, you were truly flabbergasted to hear it was the top fear for most people. Do you get a nervous sweat and hands shake every time you do it? Most definitely. But the liberation you feel when you do it? Worth it.

You started singing in public. Something you dreamed of doing since kinder years, but were always too scared. Karaoke at first, then in church. It’s been three years and again, the nervous sweat and shaky hands get ya every time. But hey, it keeps you humble.

You found a love for travel. You often thought about it, but either your fears outweighed your dreams or your dreams never reached past your fears. It’s unclear which it was, but God slowly changed the way you saw yourself, and life.

You talk about your feelings, publically. Yeah, the private stuff stays private, but you gained an ability to share your struggles with the world and feel no shame admitting that you are flawed. And yet, you know you’re loved and you love yourself.

There’s so much to be proud of. Your twenties truly were something special. You learned the true meaning of “growing pains”, but stayed true to your promise to have no (major) regrets. What epic tales you’ve had.

2036

January 21, 2026

Dear Olivia,

I kinda wanna throw up a little just looking at that year. We’ve barely made it into 2026 and I’m already looking to the next ten years. But actually, I’m not. Not really. I have no clue what life will look like in my 30s and trying to even begin processing that kinda gives me a headache (well, that, and the lack of water I’ve had today). Plus, the last time I planned my future, I was unfair. An adolescence mindset, comparison, and unrealistic expectations will do that to you. (Speaking of, remember when you jokingly told people in high school that you wanted to retire by 25? Then you kinda started believing it could happen without an actual goal to get there? Oof.)

What did you do for the last ten years? Did you branch out and become the entrepreneur you’ve tactically fled from, yet everyone claims you are? I specifically remember the day in college when you decided that wasn’t the life for you and I believe it had something to do with the lack of vacation days available when you become your own boss. Kinda problematic, considering you were a Business Administration major and went to school to be an entrepreneur.

Did you do something crazy, like right a book? The fact that you wrote that here says something. Every year–the last ten, actually–you said you’d write more, but it never really stuck. If you’re passionate about it, why run from it? Dreaming big means doing scary things, Olivia. Talking yourself out of something for over 10 years is crazy work, but 20 years?! Diabolical.

For the sake of semi-privacy, you can’t spill all of your tea here. Although it’s piping, everyone knows the best way to enjoy a cup is through tiny sips. I trust that you’ll continue to share your heart when the time is right. However, you do like to frequently look back on your work and reflect. I hope you see this and feel what I’m feeling now: hopeful, sprinkled with a bit of determination and challenge. Currently unsure of what all this means for the immediate future, but hopeful that these are the steps He’s called us to take.

This time, as you continue to look ahead, maybe get the Lord’s opinion when you start making plans? But also, don’t STOP making plans (like when you thought life started AFTER marriage and kids, because that’s what the world portrayed). You have goals now. Realistic and crazy ones alike. You are all about the details. So is He. That’s one of your favorite things about the God you serve! Continue to look for them. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of reflection to realize it’s been right there, all along. Thennnn it hits you in the face like a brick wall. (This time, wear a helmet!)

When you’re really feeling down, open your journal. Find that bookmarked page, and read those special words that you need to hear.

Remember, it’s you and Him. Hand in hand. Always, and forever.

Con amor,

OMG