Connectedness with yourself, others, and your surroundings

The Importance of Staying Connected

Some time ago, Steph asked me to share my life purpose (see link). I started to answer and wrote a lot, but realized I wasn’t really answering her question.

Over the years, I have become more aware of the role I want to play in this world. As a child, it was always about fulfilling your role within the family and finding a job that paid the bills. But now, I want to support my children, be happy with my loved ones, and play a role in the lives of others.

Even now, looking back, I don’t have a single clear purpose. But I do know that I want to support my loved ones and contribute to a good life for them. It’s not just about giving yourself away; it’s about balance. How much do we give without losing ourselves? Steph responded: “Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

Be comfortable with the uncomfortable

This struck me deeply. Growth happens when we step out of our comfort zone. It’s not only during big life changes, but also in everyday life. We grow when we give more of ourselves than we feel comfortable doing.

This is where transformation happens.

It has become a theme in my life. Starting this website with Steph was a challenge and an opportunity to take risks together. Through this process, we have deepened our bond in ways we did not expect. Even in our daily digital exchanges, we heal, making up for 20 lost years. That healing brings much joy and soothes the pain I carried for a long time. And I am grateful for this new phase of growth and connection.

This reminds me of something I read in The Power of Now. It talks about waiting for the right time or the perfect opportunity. This waiting can hold us back from fully healing or moving forward. I realized I had waited too long for things to change instead of facing the discomfort of now. By reconnecting with Steph and embracing the discomfort, I am growing in ways I never expected. Is it simply that I now have the time for what matters to me? Or is something deeper happening, something shifting inside? Maybe the fear of what others think of me is fading. Maybe that curious inner child is resurfacing—the child who asks questions and explores the world with open eyes and without fear. That child was not afraid of discomfort. By facing discomfort, I give that curiosity space again.

Now I want to use my time consciously. I want to stay connected to myself (almost 40 days of meditation!), to the people close to me (Mil, Steph, and Mika), to family and friends, and to my surroundings (exercises, walks, sharing daily gratitude with Steph).

My goal with Luxury Living stems from this desire for connection. Real, meaningful connection with like-minded people. Spending so much time with Steph, I have already achieved this goal to a large extent. But we want to do more, we want to make a difference. How do we stand out in the sea of information and noise?

Even if it is just that one community member who has shared something with us (and I encourage her to share it with the entire community), then we know we are on the right path. That is how we stay connected. That is how we live with purpose.

Enjoy your weekend!

Zonnige groet,

Carlo

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Key Takeaways:

• Discomfort promotes growth and connection: embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and deeper relationships.

• Reconnection heals old wounds: restoring lost connections, like the one with Steph, can bring healing and emotional closure.

• Living intentionally gives purpose: choosing connection, presence, and creativity helps define a more meaningful life.

  
  

To continue your journey and create meaningful change, here is a book recommendation to help you take the first step:

Life Inspiration (book recommendation): 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, here