Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: 45 & 2020: You Got To Go!

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)

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

45 & 2020: You Got To Go!

It’s been a rough year around the world – Australian brush fires, Hong Kong protests, United States drone strike in Baghdad, and here at home – the killing of George Floyd that caused an uprising/movement, impeachment of Mr. Trump, and the two biggest events, in my mind, affecting everyone globally – the United States presidential election and the coronavirus pandemic. Oh, and my heart surgery. I don’t know about you, but I am done with 2020. It’s time to say, good-bye.

Four months into 2020, I began to move away from those things that would potentially compromise my wellbeing – news, social media and those friends who could only talk three things – politics, religion and themselves (I have no interests in conversational narcissism, thus my avoidance of Mr. Trump and others like him. The latter has nothing to do with his political affiliation, but everything to do with his character.)

My takeaways from 2020:

If we want to survive as a planet, we must learn to separate facts from fear. Generational ignorance is real (to my family – education will free your mind and open your hearts). Religion does not determine your morality. Character is currency. Respect your fellow travelers or suffer the consequences.

I believe there is something good in all of us. Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future. You have to be a stand-up guy (person).

Lastly, more self-care. Practice it often, nurturing your mind, body and soul. The world can be unkind. Self-care is the solution.

The photos in this post represent a self-care moment. Tonight, I made small efforts to prep for the holiday season. I am leaving 2020 behind. I am ready for something new. – paerki

(Additional Photos: Holiday Decorating)

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