
Sometimes, a single moment can upend your entire perspective on life. In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Donna Hartley—international speaker, author, and survivor of not just a plane crash, but also cancer and heart surgery—all occurring on March 1sts throughout her life! Donna’s pivotal “quote” isn’t a catchy phrase, but a series of soul-searching questions she faced in the burning wreckage: “Do you love yourself? Do you love your family and friends? Are you living your goals and dreams? And if you die today, have you left this planet a better place for being here?” Donna’s story is a lesson in resilience and transformation—how adversity can be fuel for purpose if we let it. Through her honesty and warmth, Donna urges us to claim our power, turn pain into growth, and consider every day as a chance to make a real difference. If you’re searching for gentle wisdom on purpose, responsibility, and the courage to shine your light, this episode will stay with you long after you listen.
Connect with Donna Hartley
Website: https://donnahartley.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-hartley-/
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Chapters
00:00 Donna’s Opening Wisdom And Purpose
00:16 Welcome And Guest Introduction
00:43 Donna Hartley Shares Her Background
01:28 Life-Changing Plane Crash Experience
02:40 Confronting Mortality And Self-Reflection
03:52 Extracting The Defining Quote
04:27 Living With Purpose And Responsibility
05:54 From Victim To Survivor
06:22 Multiple March 1st Life-Altering Events
07:37 Impact Of Surviving Trauma
08:41 First Time Testifying On A National Stage
09:14 The Power Of One Person’s Voice
10:49 Changing Airline Safety Regulations
10:57 Moving From Selfishness To Service
11:47 Claiming Power And Facing Fear
12:33 Life’s Lessons Are Not Punishments
13:29 The Cost Of Not Showing Up
14:18 Discovering And Honoring Your Purpose
14:58 What Is A Lightworker?
16:37 The Permission In Shining Your Light
17:09 Gaining Inspiration From Dedicated Individuals
18:27 Near-Death White Light Experience
19:37 Where To Connect With Donna Hartley
20:16 Closing And Final Reflections