Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: 55

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, August 07, 2020

55

This is what my 55 looks like. I am nine days in and realizing my priorities have changed. My best advice to anyone who cares to listen... Find "real" happiness. That's it!

Happiness is not all or nothing and it's definitely not a one size fits all deal. Happiness is whatever you want it to be, as it is many things to many people.

What really matters is how you feel and how you choose to live. I can't say this enough, moderation is key to a healthy life balance. Self-care must be a priority, too.

Lastly, stop making excuses and take responsibility. Be authentic.

As for me, every year that passes is a success. I’ve survived! By no means has this journey been easy. There does come a time when you cross that line where everything begins to make more sense. There really is something to be said about age, and wisdom.

Birthdays are literally a celebration of life, and that’s the story I try to tell through my words and photography. I hope my message is clear. Regardless of the ups and downs, my life is beautiful. It’s been enriched by places traveled, conversations, etc. Nothing has fortified it more or made it sweeter than the company I keep.

To my friends... Thank you for putting up with this sometimes-weary traveler. A truth I have never shared before... My friends are my heroes. – paerki

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." – Elbert Hubbard

"The truth is everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for." – Bob Marley

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