Stories

Cheryl's story

I live with my husband and my two teenagers from a previous marriage. My kids spend a week with us and then a week with their dad. My husband gets really upset when my kids just drop by or hang out at our house when it is not "our week". He feels that week is our time alone and he is very resentful when they intrude on that, especially when it is unexpected. Being a mother I defend my kids and want them to feel like this is their home and they are welcome anytime. We were fighting about this a lot and it was causing a problem in our relationship. When I talked to Lisa about it, she knew instinctively what everyone was feeling. She helped me to see things from my husband's point of view and not just from mine. Looking at it from a different perspective made it easier for me to understand what we all needed to feel better and then I knew how to approach the problem.

I made sure my husband knew that I too valued our time together. And that he is part of the reason my kids feel so comfortable at our house (which I love him for!). I talked to my kids about having more respect for our time by calling either me or my husband and letting us know when they needed to come by and asking if it was a convenient time. Now we are all trying to handle this with a little more respect, understanding and communication, and it's no longer a problem.

Before I talked this over with Lisa, my defensive response to my husband's complaints would start a big fight. After talking with her, I changed my approach and he looked at me like I had just bought him a new red Porsche and parked it in the driveway! I just don't think like Lisa does.

"Everybody needs a Lisa in their house!"

Cheryl Y.

Judy's story

I wish I had talked to Lisa before I made a big decision in my life that I now regret. Every time I feel shame over my actions or fear being judged, I back away from people who care and can help me. What I know now, without a doubt, is that with Lisa I will always get listening without judgment. I will get understanding, insight, and a plan!

My life has always been about my children. Finally, when they were almost grown, I was able to get away from an abusive relationship and start a career that I LOVED in real estate. I moved an hour away and was on my own, working hard and loving my life when my son called and said he needed me. He was a having a very difficult time living with his father and he practically begged me to move back so he could live with me until he finished high school. I didn't hesitate. My kids have always come first. I couldn't afford an apartment by myself so I went back to that abusive relationship so my son would have a place to live. I gave up my career and newfound freedom to get my son through his last six months of high school! When I finally told Lisa about what happened, she knew exactly why I did what I did. I was in a difficult spot with my own living situation at the time and instead of confronting it, I used the excuse that my son needed me (I knew no one would argue with that) to run away. Lisa reminded me how much my son loved me and she knew if he had understood what I was sacrificing for him he would not have allowed me to do it. She was right. In hindsight, I know that he and I and his father could have talked it out and found another solution. After all, it was only for six months. Things would probably have turned out much differently if I had just asked myself, "What would Lisa say?" and called to find out.

"Lisa has the best instincts of anyone I've ever known! Every time I get off the phone with her, I feel invigorated with positive energy!"

Judy M.

Jim's Story

Lisa's letter writing skills have helped me in the past so when I had a very important letter to write for my job I knew she was the one to call.

I had been presented a prestigious award a year earlier at our company's annual kick-off and awards dinner in front of the governor and all my colleagues. Almost a year later, when the committee was preparing to select the following year's recipient, my eligibility came into question and they rescinded my award! I was shocked and upset and then really mad. I drafted a letter to the committee stating my feelings and position on the matter and asking them to re-instate this honor. Since I was pretty upset when I wrote it, I thought I better ask Lisa to take a look before I sent it. Sure enough, my letter was too emotionally charged and rambling to make much sense. The only thing that letter would have done is to prove I was indeed undeserving! I explained to Lisa the circumstances involved and she helped me re-word my letter so that it clearly stated the facts of the situation, clarified the area in question and reminded the committee of their responsibility to verify eligibility before bestowing such awards. In the revised letter, we respectfully indicated the award should be returned.

I sent it out the next morning and was notified before the day was out that the award was mine! I couldn't believe it! I never thought they would give it back. But Lisa had known, once the committee understood what happened, they would reinstate this honor.

Later that week at an industry meeting, several members of the committee approached me, apologized for their mistakes and told me what an incredible letter I had written! I just smiled and thanked them.

"Lisa simply Gets It! I only have to explain the situation once and she tunes right into the problem and creates positive action."

Jim C.