Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: An Authentic 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)

Sunday, June 02, 2024

An Authentic Life

Gay Pride Month – I am always curious what it means to other gay people, those who support us, and the world at large. My thoughts are many – often happy, but occasionally sad because too many gays and those on the spectrum (bi, trans, queer, etc.) are still living in the extreme unawareness of their self-worth.

I am living proof that life gets better. There is always a new day.

I am always happy to say I lived my authentic self. It cost me much but there was no other choice. I had to be me. I make no apologies. I have always loved myself (probably a little too much, but those who love me allow it – thank you, friends).

The abuses I suffered, from childhood until I was 20 are immeasurable. My classmates and family were the worst. All I knew during that time was hurt and healing. It was cyclical, and exhausting. A failed attempt at suicide was life changing.

Here I am 39 years later still living my authentic self, and a better man for it. I never allowed myself to be defined by missteps or the carelessness of others. Through pain I found resilience. I want that for everyone.

In case you do not know, all of us, from the time we are born, are building an emotional experience profile. Journaling over the years has helped me understand my worth, which has no doubt shaped my emotional intelligence, giving me strength and wisdom to persevere in a world that is all too often unkind and yet remarkably beautiful. My heart only has room for love and appreciation, especially for those individuals who have supported my journey, and loved me unconditionally. Thank you.

However you identify, happy gay pride. Love is love. It really is that simple. Shame on the people who for the first 20 years of my life told me I was not worthy of it. Where are you now? My only hope is that you had a change of heart.

One of my favorite quotes and an appropriate ending for this post… “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Find the courage to live an authentic life. I did! – 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