Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos

Welcome!

Through my writing, photography, career, and personal challenges, you will discover I am just like you, a person on a journey. My goals are simple, to be healthy and happy. You will learn I have many interests. The driving force for all I do is communication, the sharing of ideas and my passion for laughter. It really is the best medicine and a great stress reducer.

I consider myself a down-to-earth guy, who is just making it up as I travel through life, adding a virtual laugh track here and there to amuse others and myself. I have a friendly personality, which is expressive, warm, upbeat, fun, and positive. I love meeting new people. I thrive on communication, organization, diversity, creativity, and laughter. – Paul Eric Kilmon (paerki)

Saturday, November 02, 2024

It's Complicated

Mental health days are important, especially if you are working with someone who is working against you. Especially, when that someone can’t see the big picture. What makes this situation even more challenging is sincerely liking the someone who is working against you. The best way to describe this is… It’s complicated.

Coping mechanisms only work for so long, thus mental health days, which I use at my discretion. Strangely, sadly, and frustratingly, I am not a “mental health days” kind of guy. I have always been a trailblazer through such nonsense, meeting situations head-on and moving beyond (well, most of the time). Did I tell you it’s complicated? Oh, yeah! That was in my first paragraph.

I will probably write that a few more times so please bear with me, because I am trying to tell you, it’s complicated. Are you understanding me?! Are you getting me?! I hope you do, because I need you to. Have you been there? I am sure you have. We all have.

I get the fragility of the situation, and so does my employer, a senior living community. I am thankful for the open lines of communication because I do believe I am valued, respected and heard, especially by those who can see my genuineness and love of the job.

Funny, one would think I would complain about the seniors, because there is a multitude of personalities to contend with, but I can handle them, and I think they can handle me, so far. They know I genuinely care about their lives.

This particular mental health day cost me big, but I am not complaining. My port in the storm… Old Town Alexandria. I had forgotten how charming it is (and was), especially yesterday. (Using public transportation helped. Traveling by train is never boring.)

I ate extremely well. I shopped, finding a few awesome bargains. A few non-bargain items came my way that were must haves, so I indulged. (When it’s complicated, you deserve everything you want, that’s my rule, and I encourage everyone to follow my lead.)

What I liked most about yesterday — I was able to let go of the drama, breathe, and just be. That’s important, especially if you want to weather the storm. (I always have an umbrella, metaphorically speaking, of course.)

I enjoyed my walk through the city, appreciating the many landscapes, architecture, and people, and one particular dog who showed me much love. I wish you were mine. To show me so much tells me how much you are loved. (Animals… They sure know how to make us feel better.)

Dear Reader, know that I am in a better place now. I am back to feeling hopeful that all will work out. If that means moving on from my current job, so be it. For now, I am going to weather the storm the best I can.

On occasion, work life can take a toll on one’s well-being and lead to stress. If and when that happens, do what I did and take a mental health day. Don’t think twice. Just do it!

I value these intentional acts of selfcare because I know they are going to alleviate my distress and poor mood, while motivating and improving my attitude.

I am now ready to embrace my weekend the best way I know how, and that’s with mindfulness.

Enjoy yours because I am certain to enjoy mine. Happy weekend, everyone! – paerki

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What would life be like without memories? It’s fair to say, there would be no life at all. Memory is our communication, reason, coherence, our action and more importantly, our feeling. Memories create our path in life, developing our psychology and leading us emotionally.

One of the best ways to create and store memories is with video. These simple effortless little snippets of time create diaries and become perpetual time capsules, which justify our walk on earth, telling all with great enthusiasm… I was here! I mattered! I lived! Please, don’t forget me.

Share your views, thoughts and opinions in the written word. Snap photographs so your eyes can travel back in time, remembering the happy and sad moments that made you the person you were, are and became in life. But, whenever possible, capture video to enhance the memories you leave behind, so that others may pass the essence of your life on to future generations. – paerki

I love photographs! They have this amazing ability to tell stories of fun places, special moments, memorable events, and exciting places. They give us reason to pause and remember friends, family, coworkers and so many others. One photograph can conjure up a flood of memories taking us on a journey. They help us remember the past, enjoy the present and ponder the future.

On a cold and rainy day I love sitting in my living room with a roaring fire, a glass of wine, classical music playing in the background and my many photographs scattered about me. I love sifting through what I call my special collection, which refers to my favorites. They remind me of the saddest and happiest moments of my life. They remind me of challenges and overcoming.

My large collection of images are a testament to a life lived. Life happens all around us so it’s important to collect special memories, and what better way than with a photograph. – paerki

It’s hard to believe I’ve been blogging for more than 12 years. This art form has allowed me to showcase and express my creativity. It has bolstered my confidence (not that is was lacking). At times it has been therapeutic, but more than anything it has given me a much deeper view of the world and how I see myself in it.

I use my insights as a barometer for self-change, which helps me reconcile the past, adapt to the present and navigate carefully into the future. I have enjoyed the roller coaster ride of thought as my hands write it and my eyes see it. As always, I hope you can relate to my stories, appreciate my views, savor the wisdom, reflect on the concepts and, more than anything, respect my friendly and genuine interest in connecting with others.

Find you own voice. Think about writing your own blog. Learn your style, share your views and open a whole new world of possibilities for you and your readers-to-be.. – paerki