Sharla Lee Shults’ Bio
Sharla Shults – TEDx Speaker, Author, Educator, Nature Enthusiast
From high school classrooms to corporate environments and online learning platforms, Sharla Shults has embraced a lifelong journey of education, creativity, and inspiration. A graduate of Troy University, Sharla’s career began in teaching high school chemistry and mathematics before expanding into the railroad industry—a venture that added real-world perspective to her educational approach.
Returning to education with renewed passion, Sharla has written curriculum and provided professional development for teachers across Florida through Beacon Educator. Her expertise continues as an Online Learning Specialist, helping educators enhance their craft and better serve their students.
But her creativity doesn’t stop there. As a poetic mathematician and author, Sharla has published several books, including Catnip of Life—an Amazon #1 Bestseller celebrated for its poetic reflection on nature and mindfulness. Her previous works include Echoes (2004), Remembering (2009), and Awakenings (2012), with more exciting projects on the way: A Touch of Catnip, Voices in Nature, and the children’s book Buzzin’.
Sharla’s latest transformative project, Anxious Attachments Unbound (AAU), offers fresh insights and actionable strategies for breaking free from patterns of anxious attachment, fostering authentic connections, and embracing personal growth. The accompanying workbook further guides readers through reflection, mindfulness, and emotional growth—bridging the gap between learning and lived experience.
A featured guest on platforms such as America Matters Media, Write Now, VoiceAmerica, Every Day is a New Day, Let’s Talk Fab Show, Love Light Show, and WJHG CH 7, Sharla’s message of personal transformation and nature connection continues to resonate. She contributed a chapter to the international bestsellern The INside Effects, How the Body Heals Itself, by Keith Leon S, released July 5, 2023, with the accompanying documentary film debuting July 8, 2023.
On October 11, 2024, Sharla achieved a dream come true by delivering her first TEDx Talk, Dance with the Earth: Partner with Nature, in Billings, MT, sharing her passion for nature’s transformative power and the journey of self-discovery. The book, Dance with the Earth: Partner with Nature launched on November 18, 2024. This was followed by her first children’s book, Buzzin’, introducing a child to nature.
Today, Sharla’s creative focus embraces Just ME!—a transformative platform empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves through poetic moments, storytelling, and mindfulness. With Catnip of Life evolving to a new purpose, Sharla continues to blend Poetic Pause. Presence. Purpose. into everything she creates.
catnipoflife 
I thought I should tell you that you have completely inspired my husband with your blog,
I read your comments to him and I get a “Hmmm…” last night he dropped a new poem on my lap with a big smile and a loud “There!” my reply was “And you want me to do what with this?” (raised eyebrow)…”Oh nothing… it’s just for you” Ahh but I know better! “This is for me to post because you want me to share it with Sharla…”
So kudos to you and your blog, you have my hubby writing poetry again, well done 🙂
Claire, that is so awesome! Thank you for sharing. . .it is moments like this that definitely keep the fire burning to write, write, write:)
Hi Sharla – you won AMSdaily’s giveaway: http://amsdaily.net/2012/06/18/look-into-someones-eyes-for-one-minute/
Please email amsdaily@yahoo.com with your email and address as soon as possible. Thank you and congratulations!
This was such a surprise! After receiving an email message, I promptly replied. My husband and I are on vacation and will be away from home about 7 to 10 days. Hopefully, the package will be awaiting my return:>) Have a blessed day!
It always makes for really fun and unique poetry when someone who typically concentrates on a different discipline begins to write! Cheers to you!
It has been and still is a crazy ride! Never thought about writing, let alone do it “back in the day!”
The inspiration more often born in our guts more than in our head. Just one word sometimes and our hand, writing without interruption. So, welcome too, in my world of dream. The poet disregards the reality, then this dreamer count the stars and even imagined
(Giacomo Bardi)
You are absolutely right about the ‘guts’ for that is exactly where I often feel the inspiration, pleasure and pain. In poetry, both play a significant role.
This is there, that we find very good poet
About you,
I hardly know you yet there is the attachment of a friend
We have never met but you generate a aura
That says in spirit we are one of the same.
Thank you, Ron. Definitely friends and who knows maybe someday we shall all meet beyond the confines of our virtual world:>) Wonder if anyone has ever thought about a writers’ LinkedIn conference?
“..only the messenger from His hand to mine, from my heart to yours. . .” so beautifully put..so touching!
That IS just the way it is:>)
Sharla, I like your comment, “Being a mathematician by nature is a strange beginning for a writer of poetry.” That might be true of writing in general. I was a Math major and turned to writing later in life as you did. I’ve known you for a little while in cyber space and find that we have much in common. Wishing you continued success.
By the way, what are you teaching online? If it’s writing related, let me know. 🙂
It is not writing related. I am a consultant with Beacon Educator and work with teachers acquiring their reading endorsement for their Florida teacher’s certificate. I do also facilitate some math courses but they are not as plentiful as the reading courses.
Oops–looked at your LinkedIn profile and I see that it’s reading, math and ESOL.
That is correct…my ‘former life’ before writing:>)
[…] of my friends on Facebook (Kat) shared this video. It is so funny and very well done. I know Sharla will like […]
wonderful blog
[…] I wondered how readers would react. I was encouraged and excited when I received a nomination from Sharla Shults for the One Lovely Blog Award. Sharla makes a special effort to recognize other bloggers. Now she […]
Dear Sharla, that’s a great post! Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts! I am honored to follow your blog and happy to read your poems. I love poetry and I am writing poetry books in Romanian language, that’s one of my passions. 🙂
Your poems are deep and interesting! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Have a nice day!
Best regards from Romania
Thank you, Cristina. Poetry is a way to enter the heart and sometimes the soul of its readers! Looking forward to visiting you again! 🙂
Hey, Sharla, I wasn’t sure how to reach you directly, and I’ll probably find you and tweet to you as well. I just started as ssistant Editor for GGIS Publishing, a faith-positive publisher. I’m looking for new projects. So if you know anyone who has an idea for a bio, that’s our specialty (although mine is poetry and fiction, so I hope to see projects in those areas as well. I hope Awakenings is going well; I think I’ll use it as a reference(!) for my historical middle grade novels.
Ron, how awesome! WOW! Thanks for the promotion of Awakenings. You can contact me @poetrybysharla@gmail.com Would love to learn more about your projects. 🙂
I have given you the Dragon’s Loyalty Award, which is both the Very Versatile Blogger and Very Inspiring Blogger combined. I hope you will drop by and collect your well-deserved kudos 🙂
Good afternoon Sharla I would be honored if you would join our blog hop and advertise your wonderful works with us. I am not great at this but I hope I am learning. You have so many wonderful awards I need to work at earning some too, hugs Chris
I have been award the Wonderful Team Member Award and I am happy to be passing it on to you. Your blog inspires me, thank you!
Visit my award post to gather the info to pass on the award.
http://makesomethingmondays.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/wonderful-team-member-award/
Hi Sharla, I have nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award – please see my http://theencouragingscribe.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/sunday-morning-sunshine/ post for details.
blessings,
Lyn
[…] WordPress…………………… Catnip Of Life […]
Congratulations, Sharla!
I have nominated your blog for the Blog Of The Year 2013 Award.
More on this nomination is at
[…] catnipoflife […]
I would like to say I love your blog and the wonderful and beautiful things you share as well as the inspiration and smiles you bring in doing so! Thank you for being you and I hope even if you do not accept awards you will accept the sentiment expressed as I honor you with one. There is no prize that comes with the award other than my appreciation and being grateful you are part of our world and making a difference by sharing in such a positive way…
I have posted the award and link to it here I hope you will accept it or at least the sentiment behind it! http://artisticlyxpressedthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/awards-and-shared-gifts/
With love,
Joe