All of us suffer loss. It is the human condition. That loss may take the form of the death of a spouse or child, suicide, accidental death, divorce, romantic breakups, a missing pet - the list is endless.
Losses perceived to be extraordinary can result in myriad physical and mental health challenges. According to an article on the NCBI website, titled "Bereavement in adult life", up to one-third of people who experience major loss will suffer "detrimental effects on their physical or mental health . . ." These can lead to heart disease, suicide and can contribute to a number of physical and mental disorders. Cheryl Williams, award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' believes that we can and must move past the bitter pain of loss. This can happen more easily when we commit to holding on to hope, even in the midst of the most drastic forms of loss.
In her book Williams vividly describes the experience of loss:
The darkness hovers over me
A sudden sense of loss
The emptiness torments me
Thoughts flooding back and forth
Loss is the most painful phenomenon any human will ever experience. Its effects stops us in our tracks, leaving us numb, in disbelief. Frozen in silence.
“Heartbroken with despair”
"Writing this book of poems was a way to help me unburden, to share my struggles and triumphs, and that of so many I have encountered on my journey," Williams stated. "My hope is that my readers will be encouraged, and inspired to never let go of hope. Everyone deals with loss differently, and we will never forget. To this day, I still revisit the loss of my mother, but focusing on the beautiful memories we shared helps me cope.
"In order to live a productive life after loss, we must find positive ways to help us cope.
"Blame, regrets, and worrying will eat us alive. Stress results in serious health problems, that at times can be fatal. Stressing about a situation never changes the outcome of the situation. Stress only magnifies the situation.
"My poem 'A Turning Point' takes us inside the mind of a helpless, hopeless woman 'entrapped in a zone… a depressive mode… with no way out… blinded by the stressors of this world.'
"In the midst of the chaos and confusion, ‘she beholds the beauty, the sun peeking through the clouds..’ A reminder that there is still hope.. 'No matter how rugged the road gets, there is always a light at the end of the stretch.'
"According to the article, 'There is also evidence that losses can foster maturity and personal growth. Losses are not necessarily harmful."
Author Cheryl 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 cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.
About Cheryl Williams:
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.
Contact:
Cheryl Williams
cherylw27@aol.com
https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams
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