This list may be more for me than it is for anyone else but I figure it’s important to never stop learning and trying to grow. Here are 10 things that I’ve learned in my first 30 years (in no particular order) that I hope to carry with me wherever I go:

1. There is more to life than what meets the eye

It takes a sensitive heart to experience everything that life has to offer. There is a lot out there but you have to keep an open mind and an open heart.

2. There is always more that I don’t understand than what I do understand

Whether it’s with people, God or anything else, you must approach life with humility. Life is extremely complex and if you go in thinking you have it figured out, you’ll miss out on so much.

3. Transparency is vital

The more you open up to people, the more potential there is for intimacy. No one has it all figured out so the sooner we stop pretending to and begin doing this life together, the better.

4. It’s about relationship and not religion

My relationship with God is the most important relationship in my life. I approach God with authenticity and transparency and I believe that’s the way to go. I don’t think he’s super impressed with religious ritual and he really just wants to be in a dynamic relationship with us. Let’s put aside the pretenses and approach him with openness and vulnerability.

5. Each day matters

The most important things that have happened to me in my first 30 years happened on ordinary days when I did not expect anything. I have therefore learned that there are no ordinary days. Each day has the potential for greatness if we’ll approach it with open eyes and a humble heart.

6. Life is far richer than I anticipated

I have had lower lows and higher highs along this road than I ever would have imagined. This journey requires everything you got and then some. Don’t ever underestimate how full life can be.

7. God is more loving than I could ever have dreamed

Just when I think he’s forgotten about me or isn’t working things out, I find out how wrong I am. He is a lot bigger and smarter than I am so I don’t always know what he’s up to but he loves each of us more than we could ever know.

8. People matter a whole lot to God

I have learned that each soul is precious no matter how much they may be struggling. If you will truly listen to people and actually desire to help them, you can allow God to use you to impact people for eternity.

9. Experiences matter

Throughout the course of days, months and years you have the opportunity to experience incredible things. Try to say yes more than you say no as long as those experiences don’t violate what you stand for. We only get one shot at this thing so we shouldn’t waste it sitting on the sidelines.

10. The best is yet to come

There is never a good reason to lose hope. Nothing is too hard for God so it’s just on us to believe. No matter how bad you’ve blown it…just wipe the dust off and keep putting one foot in front of the other. God can use even our worst moments to grow us and bring glory to himself.

Love you guys!

Russo