Find Out Your 4-Year Glow-Up Status in 2024: Are You Living Your Best Life Yet?

Are You Thriving Compared to 4 Years Ago?

Every election season, we are bombarded with the question – are you better off than you were 4 years ago? While this question may seem simple, it’s quite nuanced. Ideally, everyone should be in a better position after 4 years regardless of who holds office. However, the past 4 years have been challenging due to the global pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis affected us all in unprecedented ways, setting many of us back significantly. So, have we managed to regain some ground? Let’s examine three vital aspects of life – health, wealth, and happiness to determine if we have fared better.

Health

Health is paramount, as without it, it’s challenging to relish life to the fullest. Personally, I have noticed a decline in my health as I reached the age of 50. This decline was different from the previous 4-year cycle – in 2020, I felt healthier than ever. However, now I’m experiencing health issues across various fronts.

1. Physical Health: Joint pain in my knees and elbows made regular workouts difficult. Despite a break to alleviate stress on my joints, the pain persists. Additionally, my eyes are drying out quicker, affecting my ability to work on the computer. This issue has exacerbated over time, impacting my overall health.
2. General Health: While my general health is stable, some metrics have worsened slightly over the past 4 years. Increased dosages and medication changes were necessary, reflecting a decline in health.
3. Mental Health: The last 4 years have been challenging, more so with my mother’s deteriorating health. Despite personal challenges, our family was fortunate to have a supportive environment during the pandemic, except for the struggles with my mother’s Alzheimer’s disease.

Wealth

The past 4 years were financially challenging for many families. Yet, we were fortunate to not only survive but also thrive. Our investments, primarily in the stock market, endured a hit in 2020 but recovered subsequently.

1. Financial Stability: Limited debts and a solid investment portfolio were advantageous during the pandemic. The stability provided by my wife’s job ensured minimal financial impact during this period.
2. Investment Strategy: Maintaining investments in index funds and dividend stocks, coupled with additional investments during market downturns, proved successful.

Happiness

Happiness is subjective, yet a critical component of well-being. Despite challenges in the past 4 years, contentment has prevailed.

1. Personal Contentment: At 50, I am content with life. While challenges existed, the overall positive environment at home and in personal relationships mitigated any significant unhappiness.
2. Family Happiness: A supportive family environment has contributed significantly to our overall happiness.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, our household is better off than it was 4 years ago, notwithstanding minor health setbacks. The past 4 years have been favorable to us, and we remain optimistic about the future. As we evaluate our growth and progress, it’s crucial to acknowledge the privilege of voting and supporting democracy – a fundamental right that many lack worldwide.

Overall, the past 4 years have been a period of personal growth and resilience. Here’s to the next 4 years – may they bring progress, prosperity, and well-being to all. Happy voting and good luck to all on your journey towards a better future!