Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Choices (2 of 2)

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)

Monday, April 29, 2024

Choices (2 of 2)

I know what I must do. I will make a choice at some point, and life will go on. There is always a new day. For now, I will do what is expected, and what brings me an infinite amount of joy and that is working for a group of residents who more often than not, bring happiness to my world.

A non sequitur to my ramblings… At this age, I am yielding more. I am listening, too. I was never good at either because my will was too strong, and it still is, depending on the occasion.

It is sometimes hard to know where a particular journey is going to take us. I am enjoying this ride immensely. It has been bittersweet.

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would make it this far, but here I am.

As I look back, I realize finding my way in the world was not easy. There were challenges to living my authentic self, but I was determined to do just that. Strangely, that was surprisingly easy. I have always lived my truth. It came with much heartache and pain, but it was worth it. (That is one of the many things I like about my current job. I work for a company where everyone can genuinely be themselves, speaking their truth. Everyone has a voice without repercussion. That is why we are one of the best places to work in Maryland.)

At this age, I do not want to be friends with or work with people who do not bring me joy.

I love joy. What I love most is my ability to give it. And during these past 21 months, I have given a lot, and what I got in return is immeasurable. Sadly, from one particular person all I get is counterfeit joy and manufactured happiness.

Some might be offended by the following but those who know me well know this is said and written with love and affection… Old people rock! And PS: Old is a state of mind. To the many, thank you for reminding me of that each and every day.

Takeaways: You know you are traveling in the right direction when it is a two-way street. One-sided conversations do more harm than good. There are two sides to every story. Find the truth.

There is always a new opportunity, friends. And if there is not… Create one! – paerki

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