From a Dream to a Community: The Why Behind Luxury Living

Building Connections, Sharing Experiences, and Redefining Success

No doubt you also remember as a kid, or children in general at a certain age, always reply to the parents with the question “Why?”. And as a parent when you think that you again replied to it rather sufficiently and extensively enough to keep them happy and quiet for a while, but then they ask again “Why is that?”, on repeat. Can keep on going for a while. In fact, a child is able to ask this more times to the parent than he or she is able to answer it.

When Steph suggested the idea about a topic ‘why you start something’, this is the first thing that came to mind. Why did we start the website Luxury Living?

Before we go into this, I looked up on the internet at a psychology site, why we as humans act upon something. The explanation is that human actions come from a desire to meet a need, or in other words our actions are driven by unmet needs, such as the need for security, love, or autonomy.  An example is that overeating may stem from a need for comfort or control, while procrastination may indicate a need for self-approval. Fear of failure. So, in some sense, what motivates us to actually do something depends on our feelings and/or thoughts. As a result, the key is to become aware of these unmet needs in order to make more intentional choices; to recognise the underlying motivations so we can better understand ‘why’ we take action on some things, and not on others.

In other sections of the website as well as a blog item we wrote about why we moved to Spain and how we started Luxury Living. The actual ‘why’ hasn’t been answered as such. I think the initial motivation was to share our life of  luxury with the world. In all its facets. To share information, to inspire people with our story and experiences. Our business plan, if we had one (we really only  just had an idea), didn’t mention some sort of earnings. It would be a nice side effect, but we just want to have fun. Explore the possibilities to build a website and subsequently a community. A community with like minded souls. That’s what I’m really after - perhaps that’s my ‘why’. Members we can attract and entertain with inspiring blogs and information. If we can provide additional services, services because we have the experience, or if we help to find the gateway to a Luxury Life then wouldn’t that be a pleasant bonus.

And I suppose that’s where I (Steph) can jump in about another ‘why’.  I think you have perhaps some regrets about not making the change sooner and you’d like to ensure that people learn from your ‘mistakes’ of not jumping head first, or jumping into the deep end, because you are worried of failing. Or that it’s not going to turn out as you expect. We have no idea what to expect but you’ll never know if you don’t try. More often than not, it will work out and you’d wish you had done it sooner. But, it is true, that it is almost always easier to make such life-changing decisions if you have someone by your side, providing guidance, support, inspiration, and all the synonyms possible for encouragement. Luxury Living becomes that for other people who want to make the move but are scared of doing it alone. Luxury Living forms the bridge for people between their current life and the life they have always dreamed of in Spain.

Throughout the process, additional ‘whys’ have popped up: more motivation and energy for Carlo, a creative outlet for Steph, a mental challenge for Carlo, an opportunity to explore alternative career paths for Steph. Last but not least, being able to do this together is also a big ‘why’. That we both share a mutual interest, both enjoy it, app each other crazy at times (Carlo can’t keep up with all my messages…oldie) but most of all it is also a learning process for us. Getting to know each other better but also encouraging each other to live a life of luxury.

This week, the happiest countries in the world list came out and it was evident that a lot of Western countries are slipping in rank because of one thing: the decline of community and shared experiences. In many Western countries, people are spending more time alone, with one striking example being the rise in solo dining. Meals, once a cornerstone of connection and belonging, are increasingly eaten in isolation. But happiness isn’t just about personal success or comfort—it thrives in community. Gathering around a table, sharing food, and engaging in meaningful conversations are essential for well-being. The happiest places in the world remind us that true joy comes not just from what we have, but from who we share it with.

So, yeah, every human craves connection and recognition—we know we  do. If our website succeeds, that would be amazing. But what does success really mean? Is it about reaching a certain number of members in our Community Life Lovers? We don’t have an exact number in mind, but what truly matters is creating a space where people come together, share their experiences, and build something real. A thriving forum, a lively community—because in the end, happiness isn’t about numbers, it’s about the connections we make and the moments we share.

Enjoy your weekend!

Zonnige groet, 

Carlo & Steph

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Main Key Takeaways:

• Luxury is about connection, not just comfort. True happiness comes from shared experiences and belonging, not just material wealth.

• Knowing your ‘why’ leads to fulfillment. Understanding what drives our actions helps us make more intentional choices in life and business.

• Success is about impact, not numbers. A thriving, engaged community matters more than membership counts or financial gain.

To continue your journey and start making meaningful changes, here’s a life hack and a book recommendation to help you take the first step:

Life Inspiration (Book recommendation): Start With Why, here

Life Hack (exercise): number 11, here