Stay Connected: To yourself, others and environment

The importance of staying connected

A little while ago, Steph shared her purpose in life with this community here and asked Mil and me to do the same. To be honest, I started replying and wrote quite a bit, only to realise that, despite all the words, I hadn't really answered her question.

It's become clear to me that the younger generation, even with all the challenges they face, seems to have a heightened awareness of the world and their role in it. As I grow older, I'm beginning to become more aware of the role I play or want to play in this world, largely thanks to Steph and Mika. In my youth, the concept of "purpose" was never discussed; the focus was always on fulfilling your role in the family and preparing for a job that would pay the bills, whether or not you liked the job.

Even now, when I zoom out, I can't say I have ever had or have a single, clear-cut purpose. But on a smaller scale, I know that I want to support my loved ones in every way I can. I want my children to grow into responsible, happy individuals, grounded in who they are. To be a part of their lives. I once asked Steph, "how much of ourselves are willing to give away?". It's a question that doesn't have a straightforward answer. We give pieces of ourselves in different ways - through our time, our energy, our support - but there's always a question of how much is too much, In the end, it's about finding the balance between giving and preserving ourselves. The more we give, the more we open ourselves to growth, but we must be careful not to lose our essence in the process. For Steph, her answer was simple but profound: "be comfortable with the uncomfortable."

Be comfortable with the uncomfortable

This really struck me. It reminded me that real growth comes when we step outside of our comfort zones. It’s about embracing discomfort—not just in the big life changes, but in our everyday relationships and actions. We grow when we give more of ourselves than we might feel comfortable doing. This is where transformation happens.

Jumping into discomfort has been a recurring theme in my life lately. Starting this website with Steph has been a transformative journey for both of us, pushing us to face challenges and embrace risks together. Through this process, we’ve deepened our connection in unexpected ways. I’ve realized that even in our daily digital exchanges, we’ve been healing—slowly making up for the 20 years we were apart. The joy and healing I feel now are profound, softening the pain I carried for so long and for that, I’m incredibly grateful for this chapter of growth and reconnection. And, now, making a conscious effort to stay present, appreciating that this moment is actually happening.

This reminds me of something I read in,“The Power of Now” - the concept of waiting time. There are quite some abstract sections in it, which are difficult to comprehend, however, Eckhart Tolle talks about how we often get stuck in waiting for things to happen, like waiting for the perfect moment or the next big opportunity. This waiting can prevent us from fully healing or moving forward. I realised that in many ways, I had been waiting too long for too many things to change instead of embracing the present and seeking discomfort. Through reconnecting with Steph and leaning into this discomfort, I'm healing and growing in ways I never imagined. Is it simply that I now have the time to do what matters most to me? Or is it something deeper, something shifting inside? Maybe with every lap around the sun, the dear of what others think starts to fade. Maybe I'm slowly reconnecting with that curious inner child of mine - the one who explores, asks questions, and embraces life with wide-eyed wonder and no fear. That child wasn't afraid of discomfort. And perhaps, by stepping into discomfort, I'm finally allowing space for that part of me to re-emerge.

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

My purpose with Luxury Living stems from this: connection. Real, meaningful connection with like-minded people. In many ways, by spending time with Steph, I've already achieved this goal. But of course, we want to do more. We want to make a difference. But how do we stand out in a sea of information and noise? If even one community member reads, reflects, and feels inspired to share something of their own - then we're on the right path. That's how we stay connected. That's how we live with purpose.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Zonnige groet,

Carlo

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Main Key Takeaways:

• Discomfort fuels growth and connection – Embracing discomfort, especially through new projects and reconnections, can lead to personal development and deeper relationships.

• Reconnection can heal old wounds – Rebuilding lost connections, like the one with Steph, can be a powerful source of healing, reflection, and emotional closure.

• Living with intention brings purpose – Moving away from passive waiting and consciously choosing connection, presence, and creativity helps define a more meaningful and purposeful life.

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

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