this sounds amazing
no one asked but i just have to type this out to see if I'm getting close to this fantasy yet...

living paycheck to paycheck in a meaningful job that I like most days with some minor opportunities for career advancement however pay would not increase much. we rent the bottom half of an old duplex for a decent price, it's cute and cozy and i love how we have it furnished and decorated etc. but it is quite small and the windows are shit and there is no yard. we struggle a bit with groceries but can always find something to throw together if low on funds for food for a couple of days (kind of fun to do sometimes actually). the cars we lease are fucking Kia's...so that has been shitty recently and we no longer have any money left to fix issues after being targeted by the kia boys twice now. nice cars to drive though. i am in good health as far as i know at this point. I struggled with some digestive issues this year but nothing serious...also have been sick most of this winter with colds/ear infections/etc. which is not normal for me. i have zero energy lately but that's honestly my own fault for not being as disciplined about my sleep and water intake in recent months (i go through bouts of laziness when it comes to self care)...and I'm now realizing this probably has something to do with why I am getting sicker this winter.

okay not close lol, but totally manageable to advance from, and hey I AM happy so that is great.
if others are willing, I'd love to hear your comparisons too.