Member Spotlight – Shelly Bluhm, NEW Carolinas
“[I value] the camaraderie that is developed between NEW members. Being able to talk through various situations with others who understand and can provide actionable feedback and advice is truly invaluable.”
Name: Shelly Bluhm
Member Since: 2011
How did you first hear about NEW, and what prompted you to join?
I have attended events in the past that I heard about through my work contacts. I did not really get fully engaged until I met Ellen Klinzing, who was one of the founders of the Carolinas region. She recruited and mentored me in my NEW career. I joined to both share my connections with others, as well as build my network of contacts. I also joined to help others.
How has NEW impacted your personal/professional life?
I have been profoundly impacted by NEW in the connections I’ve made both professionally and personally. The friendships I’ve made have deeply enriched my life. I’ve also learned so much from the events, lunch & learns, webinars, etc. that I am able put to use in my life daily.
Tell us about a recent personal accomplishment or event in your life.
A recent event in my life is the passing of my stepmother. She was such a wonderful person and so full of life. The lessons and blessings I received from her our countless. The one big lesson from her is that I need to take time for me. So many of us get caught up in the day to day grind and do not make time to take care of ourselves. I am so guilty of this.
She was an avid workout enthusiast and a marathon runner. One day I was explaining to her the amount of stress we deal with at work. The words she said to me resonate with me to this very day: “Isn’t it amazing that the one thing that will help you the most with your stress, is the one thing you won’t make time for – exercise!” I am now on a journey to lose the weight I so often complain about and am making exercise a part of my daily life.
What is your favorite NEW event you’ve attended?
It was a NEW Carolinas event featuring Jade Simmons, a speaker and concert pianist. She is such a wonderful storyteller and mixes her story telling with her piano. It was like a mini concert with an uplifting message to boot. She was truly transformational!
What other activities, aside from being an amazing member of NEW, do you enjoy in your free time?
I love reading, listening to music (any kind) and hanging out with my dogs. I am also an avid crafter and enjoy making handmade cards and painting farmhouse style signs.
Lightning round questions!
Nickname your parents used to call you? Shell.
You get one superpower, but you must choose between invisibility and flight. Which do you pick? Flight – Just imagine the places you could go and things you could see.
Last Halloween costume? Hmmm…it’s been a while since I’ve dressed up. The last I can remember was a witch.
Favorite word? Choice – I believe everything is a choice; whether to be happy, sad, or mad, etc. are all choices. We also choose how to react to any given situation. Life is full of choices. We have the power in our own hands to stay back or to excel based on the choices we make.
What food could you eat for a week straight for every meal? Mexican – Fajitas
