I’m a Realtor, a Coach, and an investor. I’ve lived in 8 homes and each one is a morphed version of the next. There are things I’ve collected and kept since my first home that I bought in 1992. The home was a classic 1200 square foot, 2-bedroom, 1 bath farmhouse built in 1910. Its price was 64,000 and I put my whole life’s savings down (5000) and assumed the mortgage of the seller. To be honest, we didn’t know what we were doing, there weren’t any ‘home and garden’ television shows freely giving away tips and strategies for first time buyers. The house was so basic yet was so appealing because it was on the bus line, on a hill and it sat on a coveted double city lot. It also featured the great bonus of a completely private deck that occupied the space between the detached garage and the back door of the breezeway going into the home. We had a dishwasher on wheels, and harvest gold appliances. We received a massive microwave from my parents; the thick beveled chrome edition ‘radar range’ was classy and cool! The floor was also a harvest gold linoleum that I quickly covered with peel and stick white vinyl tiles from a local hardware store. I found a green ivy wallpaper on sale and proceeded to wallpaper the entire kitchen with it. It was LOUD and it was HAPPY and helped me maintain my sanity and cope with S.A.D.D. through a few exceptionally long dark cold Minnesota winters. The handle less cupboards and cabinets were already painted a thick shiny white lacquer-like paint; I don’t recall the color of the counters, possibly beige Formica.
In college, I found a still-life study that had been left behind by the exiting class; the manager of the library was on her way to placing it in the lost and found when I bumped into her in the hall. We commented on the half-finished table of lemons and I asked if I could have it. She said, yes and when I returned home, I promptly hung right in the spot above the stove where a space for a hood fan might reside. That small painting traveled with me and was proudly hung in each one of my 7 homes and then when we landed in number 8, it was the end of the line. The end of the road for the lemons.
I look back at pictures of the homes I’ve owned and carefully decorated. I took so much pride and spent so much time in the ‘what if’ stage of the planning. I look back now, and I see something vastly different than morphing decorating compositions with lemons on top. I see the results of a woman who, trapped in her own limiting beliefs, couldn’t forge a more interesting way to express her creativity.
The jockeying of furniture between houses (Mom, Me, Sister) was part of the flavor of our lives back then. We didn’t have the incomes to shop at Ethan Allen or even Pier One and we truly had a gift for re-purposing and up-cycling decades before the rest of the world caught on. We thought we were so smart scoring incredibly beautiful antiques at secondhand stores for a fraction of their auction values. My Moms rule was always, ‘its yours’ BUT, if you ever don’t want it again, let me know! Do not just give it away outside of the family. Funny how this little seemingly insignificant activity was the glue during some difficult transitions in our young lives. The talking, shopping, fetching, remodeling, stripping, staining, stenciling, painting, moving, re-moving of furniture was the reason to make the call or the center of our conversations when we got together in person. It was a door opener for more difficult and challenging conversations about the story of our family; once dismantled, we struggled to find our claw feet again.
The houses we owned, ranged from Farmhouse, to Modern 2 Story with tuck under garage, to an American Four Square, to a Greek Revival Cottage, to a Mid-Century Modern Executive Ranch, to a Farm-house Compilation Rambler, to an 1856 Colonial Duplex, to our current home — a custom built Modern Lakehouse with vacation rental. I’ve assumed a mortgage, used a builder’s loan, bought a home FHA, USDA, Contract for Deed, Conventional, out of foreclosure, from an estate and, finally, one which was never even lived in by the original owners. So much movement from home to home; things were re-purposed, switched up, moved around, and donated. The same can be said of my relationships too; family and friends were re-purposed, switched up, moved away and a few got donated too.
Now my whole house is griege. It’s a blend between grey and beige. I no longer spend my time dreaming of rooms from which to dream of a more full and exciting life. I spend my time, living into my dreams and the artifacts from the history of my life offer the colorful accents and punctuations that keep things interesting to the eye. The drama of my youth has waned, only to be replaced with the drama of a new generation. I’m finally satisfied with sedentary and stability. I’ve purged off anything that doesn’t bring me joy and the burning desire to find more, ‘pick’ more, has (almost) completely left me. A few times along the way, when my income was rising, I entertained the idea of buying nicer things, newer things. As quickly as those thoughts entered, I snuffed them because my thrift store items are a part of me now. Like that creek in my knee, the age spots on my hand and the permanent colic on the left side of my head that refuses to be smoothed by any product known to man.
Half painted lemons. What does it mean? Was my life a half-painted lemon or did I make lemonade?
The lemon painting is now at Nana & Bumpa’s Place, a 1960’s Mid-Century Modern cottage 3 miles into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the 800,000-acre Hiawatha National Forest. AKA Highbanks Cottage. Just take County Highway 8 to the small marker across from Soldier Lake Park and turn right onto a 2-tire track in the sand that leads you on a bumpy, windy, tree-branch whipped and scraped ride deep into the forest. A forest of pines, lichen, mushrooms and of huckleberries and ferns. Hundreds of thousands of feathery sunlit ferns. The lemon painting, the pinch pots, the artwork and photographs, quilts and artifacts are all evidence of a season when I believed this kind of life belonged to ‘other’ people.
It’s not that hard to recall the feelings of being on the outside looking in; of watching people decide what they wanted to do and then doing it. I was defeated and always wondered how they ‘did’ it.
A home is just a temporary box that holds your stuff until you no longer need it. We put so much emphasis on the box, that we forget that a box isn’t what holds memories. A box, a photo album, a painting hold no meaning at all in the middle of the forest where no human soul is there to view it, appreciate it or assign meaning to it.
I used to wonder how people found their purpose, then set about designing the life that was exactly right for them. I now understand that it resides in the hidden ability to see – to tune into – the potential that is all around each of us every single day. I now pay attention, open my eyes, and connect the dots. The lemons I carried with me for so many decades are now in my signature drink at our vacation rental, La La’s Landing.
We call it La La’s Lemonade.
Connect with me today!
I offer group coaching at a very fair price! kindjourneycoaching@gmail.com
Testimonials
You don’t have to take my word for it, here’s what others are saying!
In an industry full of petty competition, less-than comparisons and fear-based small thinking, there is NEVER danger that your time with Lisa will be left to these things. Lisa Zmuda is a masterful attractor, who only brings in people around who want to be more, do better and live larger in the most heartfelt ways. Lisa has one of the most abundant outlooks I have ever encountered who truly, daily, strives to build others up who are around her. I am honored to have her mentorship and friendship. Knelly Dettinger, Tru-Living Eau Claire WI
Thank you for being my coach through 2020!!! You have brought me through some ____only to coach me to greatness, success, investments and oh so much more to come!!!
A life and business coach is key to growth.. get you one!!! Love you lady! Lynn Zielasko
Lisa, for the record, I think that you are phenomenal as a coach and have and continue to exceed my expectations. Your ability to listen, relate, and develop actionable plans to the challenges I believe I am facing along with resources for the action items, is beyond amazing! Just the other day I was sharing with my best friend how in less than an hour and with direct, but comfortable conversation, you created a 1-3-5 before my eyes, my friend exclaimed, “I need a coach.” Just a month ago, I remember asking others in my office how they could afford a coach, and now I understand when they responded, “How can you not?” Marca Bruff
Oh, my goodness, how do I even begin…
I resisted coaching for so long. I worried that I would pay big money to be another number or another box to check. I know what I need and what I need is connection. It’s the backbone of my business and its who I am at my core. As amazing as other big-name coaches are, I knew that they were not for me.
I absolutely 100% get you, Lisa. And I am 100% convinced that you are making a huge difference in the lives of others You are a rare gem and I only have one more thing to say and that is this: YOU just need to keep being you, because you are AMAZING! What this world is missing is more of YOU – and I will shout from the mountain tops about YOU! Continue to be the person you needed, for that is the most amazing gift you can give. 🙂 Jen Glyzinski
“LISA HAS A PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS HELP THEMSELVES. SHE’S EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE AT WHAT SHE DOES BECAUSE SHE LIVED IT. YOU CAN TRUST HER!” FLOYD WICKMAN, NATIONAL SPEAKERS HALL OF FAME
“Lisa is one of the most incredible, influential and positive spirits I have ever come across! A dynamic woman and human being; her strengths beyond this are being an incredible relationship builder and manager – she consistently helps our team in generating and sustaining relationships with business partners and their communities. She is our team’s ‘secret’ weapon and our attitudes, production and profitability have increased greatly since she began working for us.” Jason Chitwood Senior Loan Officer, Movement Mortgage
“LISA’S CLASS WAS JUST THE INSPIRATION I NEEDED TO PUSH MYSELF PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY AND HER DOWN TO EARTH PERSONALITY AND HUMOR MADE THE CLASS SO COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO CONNECT WITH. SHE USES KEY POINTS FROM HER COACHING ALONG WITH HER PERSONAL EXPERIENCES TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH INVALUABLE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU BETTER EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE. WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING TO IMPROVE OR ADVANCE IN YOUR CURRENT CAREER OR MAYBE YOU ARE LOOKING TO TAKE A LEAP IN A NEW DIRECTION, LISA’S CLASS WOULD BE JUST THE TICKET FOR YOU.” KATHRYN SCHMELING, MANAGER AT JAVAVINO, LACROSSE WI
“Lisa, I tried to put into words to my hubby, my experience at your mastermind yesterday. Even though I couldn’t articulate everything I was feeling, he said, “Wow, this connected with you on a deep level!” Sure did. What a powerful group of women and such an amazing experience.” Thank you!” Sherri Sherpey, Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage
“Lisa, you were honestly the catapult in launching my positivism. I really was in such a bad place and after meeting you, my eyes were opened to a whole new world of how people are supposed to treat each other. You helped me repair the damage that was present in my personal life! I didn’t know how broken I was until I saw a different way. I always knew I was meant for greater things, but I didn’t know how to get there until I met you. Even my husband was thrilled when I told him we got together because he knows how instrumental you were in the changes in how I choose to see and respond to the world around me. I couldn’t thank you enough for guiding me!” Amber Lee, Realtor
“Lisa was an amazing speaker. I have been to several coaching presentations throughout the years. What I enjoyed the most was Lisa’s ability to give us very personal real-life examples of how her life was impacted by the one thing. Her ability to share her life in such a down to earth relatable way was refreshing and inspiring. Throughout her speech, she keeps circling back to the one thing, never getting sidetracked by other distractions. I also enjoyed that it wasn’t entirely about real estate. She was presenting to our networking group and made it relatable to every business. Overall it was an intriguing presentation and I would highly recommend Lisa time and time again!” Stephanie, Executive Administrator
“Good Morning, this was a GREAT meeting! Lisa thank you so much for your time & presentation, I will highly recommend your coaching to people, and thanks to Amy for introducing us to LISA!” Sam Danna, Owner Danna Agency Inc.
“Lisa has a personality and character like no other. Her everyday spirit and support helped me get through some of my most challenging days as I transitioned into a new career and she taught me how culture and personal mindset impact results. Lisa is my role model and I hope to approach life as she does every single day going forward.” Kami Binstock KW Realty Elite
“Lisa is energetic and engaging. She presents her coaching topics and tools in easy-to-understand ways that are interactive and inspiring. She made an immediate impact on my outlook and how I approach my workdays, and I’m anxious to employ some of the tools in my personal life as well. I highly recommend her seminar to people of all ages and professions.” Merrilee Horton, Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor at Rescue Me Bookkeeping
“In my honest opinion, A.N.B. (Atomic Ninja Butterfly) is one of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read. To me, it ranks up there with “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero I love the way the book flows too; you did an amazing job and you were born to inspire! I related so much to what you wrote, and it was exactly what I needed right now at this time in my life. Thank you! Shannon Heier Musician
“Debbie, thank you so much for picking Lisa Zmuda for us. I do not really know how you did it … She is the perfect fit for us. We love her grace, kindness, and candor. She is helping us get through an awful lot of challenges and we are hyper goal and transaction focused.
Lisa has gone above and beyond to help us, and this is no one size fits all, she meets us where we need help and redirects and understands our Big Hairy Audacious Goals… Thank you for Lisa and we are SO grateful. Cheers to an even better second half and to whatever the universe sends our way we will with Lisa’s help motor through it. Thank You again for picking a 1 in a million coach for us!
Debby Crawford
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter
Lisa Zmuda has been my coach for about 9 months and the results have been fabulous. The free flow of ideas, accountability to goals both business and personal, and the suggestions for continuous improvement in business process and mindset have contributed to my growth.
My business is more profitable than ever, and my enjoyment of each day is fantastic. She’s an extremely enthusiastic cheerleader that just makes me feel energized and ready to move forward every time we talk! Linda Alter, Team Leader & Top Producer KW Integrity
