Her voice stops us still because, for three decades, it was Sherrie McCutcheon’s speech tones that made us halt and listen because, after all, it had to be important.
Had to be. Good news, bad news, if it was Sherrie, something was up and you needed to know. Whether it was fatal flooding, a traffic-screeching winter storm, cold-blooded murder, or a schedule change at Jamboree in the Hills, there she was, Sherrie McCutcheon.
Or Sherrie Dunlevy, actually, the wife of Rob and mom to Trey who left television and re-invented herself in radio more than 15 years ago. When that gig no longer suited her and her goals, she turned the dial to her current career as a motivational speaker, an author, and a public figure who lends her persona to causes good for her community.
In fact, since the beginning of February, she’s joined Katie Everson in the Women of Impact Campaign for the American Heart Association to raise funds and awareness about the imperative research on the prevention of strokes and heart disease. Both issues, by the way, have hit smack-dab in the middle of home for Dunlevy and that’s why she’s worn red, attended a plethora of events, and is set to host the SELF CARE SATURDAY event (9 a.m. – Noon) in two days at The Highlands Events Center.
You agreed to be a part of the Woman of Impact campaign to help others in need of heart awareness, but what have you learned along the way?
When I was asked to accept the nomination by the American Heart Association, I truly believed I did not have the resources or support necessary to help them. Then I remembered the tagline I’ve written at the bottom of each email I send: “Every life makes a difference and every life can make an impact.”
So, I thought, well, now I have to walk the talk.
My biggest lesson is about impact. I’ve learned how one person can make an impact, but I have also learned that when you get a group of positive-minded women who agree to work together for something bigger than ourselves, you can make amazing things happen in your community and in the world.
How will those learned lessons be applied to your career as a motivational speaker and best-selling author at Spirit Spikes?
Every time I present to an audience, I tell the story of my son Brandon. He only lived 29 days, and yet his life mattered and continues to make an impact. So, this fits in perfectly with that message.
But this campaign has also allowed me to dream bigger, and it has forced me to step out of my comfort zone to achieve my goals. I have had to ask for help and allow myself to receive the help that was offered. These are all things I talk about with audiences and write about in my blogs and social media posts.
Are people still recovering from social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic? What ways have you suggested to overcome the encountered issues?
Absolutely they are! Most people have been grieving some kind of loss as a result of the pandemic (whether it was a death or just losing the ability to live life the way they were used to). So many lost high school football seasons, weddings, reunions, and holidays, but the biggest problem is that most don’t identify these feelings as grief.
So, the effects of unresolved grief are coming out as rudeness, unruliness, hostility, rage, anger, and divisiveness.
How do we overcome it? I think first we have to recognize, try to understand it, take measures to heal it, and extend grace and kindness to ourselves and others
Focus – how difficult is it for men and women to find a new focus once children become grown adults, and what advice do you offer?
It depends. For some, it is the dawn of a new era. For others, it is experienced as a great loss. Depending on how each person sees it can determine how they handle this time of life.
My best advice: Get to know yourself again. Discover new things, have new experiences, or revisit old dreams and goals. This is the perfect time for writing a great second chapter.
Tell us about the Self Care Saturday that is scheduled for April 1 from 9-12 p.m. at the Highlands Event Center.
It’s a mini women’s conference designed to raise awareness of women’s overall health and well-being while raising funds for the American Heart Association.
We have speakers doing presentations on stress and anxiety reduction, burnout, how to sleep better, and why it’s essential to our health, and how connecting to creativity can enhance your mental well-being.
We will also feature a panel of well-known women in the valley living with heart issues and who will share their journey in order to help other women. It promises to be an open and honest conversation.
Plus, we have all the other things women love, shopping, raffles, and refreshments. Doors open at 8:30 and it’s a cash-only event so credit cards won’t be accepted.
