Donna Hartley is a unique woman. When she steps onto a plane, she feels differently than everyone else because she has survived a plane crash. That day nearly thirty years ago in Los Angeles changed her life forever. 

“That was my defining moment,” Hartley said. “I discovered I had a higher purpose. We’re all here to learn lessons, raise our awareness, and that comes with age. In fact, it’s one of the blessings of growing older. When I was 30, I wanted to die, I was negative, and I didn’t cherish every day.  What I’ve learned is that every day is special.”

Now at the age of 60, Hartley has an inner peace, more energy, a 12-year-old daughter, and an inspirational attitude and message she carries internationally. 

“Everybody has a defining moment in their life. Maybe not as dramatic, but what you choose to do at that moment leads to how you live your life at 60. After 60, you need to get honest with yourself. You need to do the things that you want to do. Do the things that make you happy. And, do it now,” Hartley said with a knowing laugh. 

Hartley reminds everyone that there are choices in life. “You can choose to be depressed or you can choose to be like a kid again. Be involved in everything you’re doing. Truly, I have learned that everything and everyone is a blessing in my life. Everyone has the ability to refocus and make changes.”

Traveling around the world and being summoned overseas to speak at corporate events is a gift that not everyone would easily embrace. But, for Hartley, she sees it as an opportunity to help people find themselves.

“It doesn’t matter what language we speak or what country we’re visiting, we all want understanding, love and acceptance. To reach those goals, we have to surround ourselves with positive people while doing things we enjoy. If we want to be a grandma or travel, just be fulfilled. We want to know we’ve made a difference in the world.” 

“I’ve been very fortunate.  After seven years of trying to adopt a child as a single woman, I finally got my daughter at the age of 47. My daughter helps me see the world through a kid’s eyes. I believe anything is possible if you work hard enough.”

Hartley is not one to mince words as she makes the most of her time left on Earth.

”I almost died. So, my goal is to wake people to fire up their lives. If you’re my age, you’ve earned the right to enjoy life. Stop being a bystander. Don’t just watch from the sidelines, be a participant.  Don’t let life pass you by. My advice: Laugh more and eat dessert first!” 

Donna Hartley’s book series will be available in June 2008.

For more information on Donna Hartley or Hartley International for speaking engagements visit www.DonnaHartley.com or call 1-800-438-9428.