From Bounced Checks to Private Jets: The Master of Miracles tells the story of Hazel Ortega, educational psychologist and owner of several multimillion dollar businesses. In her thoughtful memoir, she delivers the breathtaking account of her impoverished upbringing in East Los Angeles and her tumultuous journey toward financial freedom and self-growth.
Ortega leads readers through her life, teeming with relentless gang violence and family dysfunction. As the second of seven children, she experienced a life of disappointment, fear, and constant financial insecurity. It was not until her mother put her out of the house at the age of 19 that she began to discover her internal strength.
“I hadn’t had it easy by any stretch of the imagination and I could cash in on that story until the wheels came off. But I wanted more, and everything was possible,” Ortega said.
In 1994, Ortega’s mother killed her boyfriend, leaving Ortega to care for her two younger brothers. Her life became more difficult and her marriage ultimately failed as a result.
While working as a legal secretary, Ortega completed her Associate’s Degree. Her boss further motivated her to complete her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in educational psychology.
Ortega began to see her life as a series of choices, rather than just “allowing things to happen” to her. For several years, she lived “below” paycheck to paycheck. After having several revelations, she began to take ownership of her life and live in integrity.
The second half of the book serves as a self-help guideline toward personal success. She offers readers support while portraying her own failures and how she lives in integrity.
After attending a seminar on self-development, she began to understand the impact that her past still had on her life.
“When we want to change, we often look outside of ourselves and ask someone else to change,” she said. “I looked closely at who I was and changed myself based on what I wanted, and as I made those changes everything else improved.”
As she reflected on her past and current lot in life, she began to foster sound morals and values.
She discussed the impact of mending broken relationships in her life, and how being vulnerable and “letting people in” afforded her the ability to cultivate and strengthen her bond with others. She also eliminated self-defeating and self-limiting behavior.
She notes that reliving past hurts and relationships can be extremely difficult. However, she assures the reader of the possibilities available through facing one’s fears.
“Cutting yourself away from fear is all about freedom. You can be free to see solutions you have never considered before,” she said. “…It can point you down undiscovered paths that lead you to adventure and joy.”
Ortega stresses the importance of becoming the person you want to attract. She adds that your actions are the biggest determinant of your outcome, and what we desire most lies in who we are willing to become.
Her memoir lends readers the opportunity to shift their perspectives and view reality through a lens of opportunity. She now travels the world and is the owner of several successful businesses.
“Don’t let life just happen to you. Be a participant!” she said. “Always be creating the incredible world you deserve and want.”
