The Magnificent Seven Plus ONE ...
The Art of Discovering
Inspiration from Within
by Donna Hazle Glanzman
Preface
Chapter One
Value What Really Matters
Chapter Two
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
Chapter Three
Be Your Own Best Caregiver
Chapter Four
Know Who You Are, Then Believe
Chapter Five
No Matter What Your Age, Be A Dreamer
Chapter Six
Surround Yourself With People Who
Understand, Care and Support
Chapter Seven
Without The Valleys of Life, There Are No Mountaintops
Chapter Eight
Believe There Is A Hole In Your Heart
That Only God Can Fill
Suggested Reading
Preface
In the early sixties, a movie called The Magnificent Seven was a highly successful western. It was the story of seven American gunslingers who became mercenary defenders of a small Mexican village being terrorized by bandits. The American protectors found themselves doing more than just keeping the locals from being robbed. They showed the Mexicans how to defend themselves and be strong. They willingly inspired the villagers to focus on their importance to their families and friends as they learned to protect themselves.
As I began my speaking career, I realized that people can be motivated when they discover themselves and appreciate their uniqueness. I wanted to share the art of finding the inner qualities that would ensure that each person can be his or her own inspiration. The Americans in The Magnificent Seven were able to bring out the power of the individual. This book…first conceived as a speech…reveals the art of discovering inspiration from within. My Magnificent Seven imperatives, PLUS ONE most powerful truism, will transform your life.
My life has been filled with so many stories. It is a tapestry woven with memories of extraordinary events and amazingly special people. I have faced life with childlike faith and, even now, in my fifties, I continue to walk wide-eyed through my days knowing that there are still innumerable adventures awaiting me.
Each of us has a philosophy we live by. We have a need to believe in something. We seek a foundation upon which we make our decisions. We fall back on these beliefs as rationale for what we are about to do and what we choose not to do. I believe without any doubt that God has led me at each turn, just like a guide in a deep cavern who shines a light in the darkness. Sometimes when I have been shattered by my own missteps or circumstances in my world, He has even carried me through the pain.
Yes, we are beings of free-will. We were created that way so we must find out how to live with value, substance and faith. I do not write this book because I have all the answers. I write it because I am committed to certain “imperatives” that have made my life fulfilled. They are the core of my conscience, my decisions, and my actions. They are the basis for my beliefs. There are, I believe, seven of these plus ONE that pull all of life together into a meaningful form. They truly are magnificent in their ability to define our lives and to focus our motives. They are tied together by a faith in God!
At the twilight of our being, we will look back at what use we made of our talents, our loves and our dreams. What a travesty it would be to feel disappointed at what we see! I am determined that I will be smiling...that my life has made a difference to those I touched and that when gone, there will be a small hole in the universe where I once stood.
It is my guess that you have chosen this book because you, too, are searching for your own place and significance in this world. You won’t be disappointed with what you find as long as you stay true to yourself, accepting of these MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and faithful to the God who made it all!
As you read on, remember that life is filled with doors that open and close…sometimes right in our faces…and that what really matters in life can seldom be etched on a trophy. Remember also, that things are not always what they seem. That you are your greatest caregiver. That believing in yourself requires knowing yourself. That no matter what your age, dreams are a necessity of life. That surrounding yourself with people who understand, care and support you is key. That without the valleys of life, you will never appreciate the mountaintops. And, the most important thing, there is a God in this world, and it is not you or me!
There you have it…life in a nutshell! But, how do I know these things and why would anyone want to read what I think? Two very excellent questions, and you will have your own answer soon. But, for now, let me say that I am a survivor, fiercely protective of those I love, strong willed, persistent, competitive, sensitive, ornery sometimes, anxious to be accepted and loved, weird, highly opinionated and truly committed to those in need. But, most importantly, I am a storyteller who is compelled to share what I have learned.
I am also a tour-guide. We will be journeying through your life, and I will point out treasures that you may possess already or long to have. At the end, you will find your own story and be amazed at all you have seen. I write this book because I believe I can help you understand your place in this world more completely.
We each have a mission in life. In fact, I believe we spend our whole lifetime searching for why we are here and for what we are meant to do. I have found that meaning, I think, and it is to teach the lessons of life that I have learned. It is my wish that what I share with you here will help you discover the inspiration within yourself. And once discovered, you will be rewarded with an understanding of why you are on this earth!!
So, my friend, since you are focused on my words, right here, right now, then I would say we are ready to begin our journey. May God bless you as you take this first step.
