Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: What’s Important In Your Life?

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)

Friday, April 13, 2012

What’s Important In Your Life?

As Mr. Roger’s would say, "It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood," and it was, especially yesterday. I was walking to a friend’s home (who just happens to live in the same community as me, the delightful, Tuscany-Canterbury), and came across two stunning gardens filled with a wide variety of colorful flowers – Azaleas, Camellias, White Dogwoods, Bloodroot, Wisteria, Euphorbia, Epiphyllum, Aquilegia, Late Double Tulips, Bearded Irises, Peonies and Wild Phlox… And of course, the daffodils and tulips are still hanging in there, but not for much longer I’m afraid, so enjoy them while they last. (If you can, make sure you plan a visit to see the tulips at Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore because they are remarkably beautiful.)

I love spring and all that it brings, and that includes those April showers, which have yet to happen.

No matter what is going on in my world that might be the opposite of happy, I can always find my joy when I stop to smell the roses (enjoy the flowers), and I mean that sincerely. I’m convinced – no, I know that flowers improve our emotional health. (Need proof? Check out the following article: Rutgers Behavioral Study Links Flowers and Life Satisfaction)

These days I’m all about being positively present in the moment – going outside as often as possible, paying attention to the little things (a lady bug, woodpecker, carpenter bee, etc.), appreciating their beauty, slowing down long enough to embrace the smiles of others, and especially from those who want to take it one step further and start a conversation, and when I can’t be outdoors, I bring a bit of it inside with fresh cut flowers or with fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market.

We must – every day, as much as we can, embrace the only moment that we ever really live, that we can assert our control – and that moment is NOW! When it's gone we'll never get it back. What’s important in your life? Spend your time and energy, and get there because that is where your happiness lies. – paerki

"Don't hurry. Don't worry. You're only here for a short visit. So don't forget to stop and smell the roses." – Walter Hagen

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