Gratitude And Giving Thanks In 2020 - It Is Possible To Feel Gratefulness In the Midst Of Hopelessness Says Award Winning Author, Covid Survivor And Film Maker Cheryl Williams

    WILMINGTON, NC, November 25, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There are thousands of jokes and memes about 2020 circulating out there. 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in the US - the pandemic, social unrest, unemployment, political division, shootings, riots - the list goes on and on. Many of us see this as depressing, some of us are overcome with anxiety, some of us have just given up. Award winning author, film maker and Covid survivor Cheryl Williams believes we can find reason for gratefulness in the very midst of hopelessness.

"Though the year 2020 has brought us so much pain, hopelessness and loss, it has also been a year of purpose, and change," Williams stated.

"I am a Covid survivor who was hit hard by this virus and still suffering its after effects. Even though there are days I can't be all I used to be, I am grateful to be still here, to be able to make a difference, being all that I can be. God has blessed me and my family in ways that I could have never imagined. He has brought me hope, freedom and purpose.

"Despite all the hardships, 2020 has been an extraordinary, eye-opening year. It has been a year of learning - learning about myself and others.

"I felt that the poem "A Blessing" was fitting to use in this context. To help us understand that no matter how tough life gets, the gift of life is truly a blessing, and there is always something to be thankful for."

A Blessing

When life dumps its issues on you
And situations seem unbearable
Meditate on the blessings

When the aches and pains
Wash away hope like the rain
Contemplate on the blessings

When problems seem insurmountable
And disappointments deem unconquerable
Focus on the blessings

When blinding snow prevails
Feeling trapped with no escape
When tyranny reigns
And all sees fails

Never forget that
Life is still a blessing

"Despite so many lives lost, 2020 has also been a year of healing, even though we have been divided on so many issues. I have also seen so many come together for a common cause. I have witnessed loyalty, the outpouring of support, and empathy.

"2020 has been a year of change and progress. My vision has been broadened during this unpredictable year.

"I have learned a lot and I am truly blessed for the many, many blessings that have been bestowed upon me and my family during this year.

"What are you thankful for in 2020?"

The new video, 'Feeling Gratefulness In The Midst Of Hopelessness' features testimonials from her sons Kyle and Kriston and her sister Gail Toney. It is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/opvh2qD2uUM.

Williams, the award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is also a talented film maker and musician. She recently released a new video entitled "Covid-19: A Child's View." The new film is a penetrating look into the experiences of those whose young lives have been affected. The new film is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/MiL3NMtsKhM.

"In this YouTube video, 'Covid-19: A Child's View', we can listen to the kids as they speak about their experiences and perspectives surrounding the virus and this pandemic," Williams stated.

Williams had a chance to speak with Anthony, the fourteen year old Covid survivor, who was featured in 'Covid-19 and My Child. Anthony's story was aired on News 12 Long Island and featured in the the Deer Park-North Babylon NY Patch,
https://patch.com/new-york/deerpark-northbabylon/mom-whose-son-14-had-coronavirus-urges-back-school-caution

Williams also recently posted a mesmerizing account of her coronavirus experience in a Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN7nMt8gf0&t=91s.

Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at [email protected]. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon and Dorrance Publishing. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog" for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn't caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother's illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

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