Springfield School Counselor Releases the hardback version with expanded distribution of his personal memoir—NEVER SETTLED: a memoir of a boy on the road to manhood by Shawn D. Congleton on August 14, 2021

STUDENTS and parents in Springfield (and beyond) have experienced hard times like no other in the last eighteen months. Young, old, rich, poor, black, white—NONE have been able to escape the challenges presented by COVID, political battles, racial unrest and economic downturn. NEVER SETTLED is an epic depiction of one young man presented with challenges he never asked for and found ways and reasons to overcome.

It is a story of determination, resilience and faith.

It is a story everyone can garner something from, to make it to tomorrow and beyond.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Springfield—Moving nearly 80 times and living in almost 20 states before his high school graduation, Shawn D. Congleton shares his childhood experience of poverty, constant change, abuse and pursuit of a better life.

Told through the eyes of this high school counselor at a large urban school, NEVER SETTLED is the story of transience, anger, alcohol, and abuse. It is the story of loss, difficult relationships and hardship.

But it is also a story of overcoming!

Journey with Shawn and his story from his birthplace of Camp Pendleton, California to Indiana to Colorado and sixteen other states. Shawn lived a childhood that would prevent so many of our children from finding peace, growth and success. Finally, be there with Shawn when he returns to Camp Pendleton—for Marine Corps boot camp and Sergeant Abolins, among many of the men and women who changed his life forever.

Find the hope Shawn found. At a time in history when so many are struggling, never settle for what life throws at you! Find inspiration and strength to overcome your own battles.

NEVER SETTLED (hardback) releases at Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and many other places on August 14, 2021. The ebook will be available on Apple Books, Nook and Kindle the same day. The softback is currently available at UnMundo Cafe, Champion City Guide & Supply, Gramercy Books in Columbus and Amazon.

Shawn D. Congleton is a high school counselor in Springfield, Ohio. He has worked with young people for most of his adult life as a youth pastor, a school secretary, a coach, a mentor, a volunteer youth leader, a tutor,  and a co-principal. Most importantly, he is a teammate with his wife, Heidi. Together they have raised three girls. He is blessed that his life’s passion has been helping young people overcome their challenges to find hope and skills for their future.

“Readers will be glad that Shawn Congleton never settled for a life like the one in which he grew up. Now his story can give hope to hearts that are looking for a chance to be loved and to belong.” – Tanya Anderson, Award-Winning Author and Editor

“This memoir quickly drew me in and I found myself engulfed in the narrative.” – Jeremy Hudson, Pastor, Fellowship Church

“In a beautifully raw and compassionate way, Shawn invites us into his painful, yet hopeful story.” – Chris LeMaster, LPC

“This book, more than most others, was able to reach all five senses! It took me back on a nostalgic journey of childhood memories that I had previously tucked away.” – Todd Buck, Educator

See more at shawndcongleton.com/neversettled

I woke up to news that my high school wrestling nemesis Ty Freel died in a drowning accident. I was stunned. A little shaken. A few months ago, we had reconnected over facebook messenger sharing a few personal regrets with each other about our past. He even apologized for being a jerk when we were younger and he sent me a couple of his wrestling pics for my blog when I asked.

Though we had our differences as kids, I certainly held nothing against him as an adult and loved featuring him on my blog. I was thankful he provided a couple of pics and I was looking forward to hearing what he thought of my book, particularly the chapters about high school wrestling. I never heard back.

A few weeks back, while on our family vacation in southern Utah, I received news that a good friend of mine, Denny Marstella passed, as well. He was only about ten years older than I, but had not been in the best health in recent years. While I had lost many people over the years, moving from one location to another, Denny was my first personal friend that lived near me that passed away.

Denny and I always had great conversations. We loved to talk theology and church. No matter what frustrations we held, we both grasped on to God and appreciated how meaningful He was in our lives. We both talked about the ways that God was using us or wanted to use us. He was always a great listener and was very gracious about understanding what a person was going through. 

Earlier this summer, I had plans for a book club this summer. I reached out to folks on facebook without much response. Denny was the only one who responded and since that was the case and it wasn’t going to be a group thing, I never followed up. We started our summer travels and I forgot about it. 

Since I have moved on so many times in my life, I have developed a survival mode to deal. It is not intentional, it is simply the way that I have learned to survive. Out of sight, out of mind. Also, since we were in the middle of a long vacation that was paid for, I wasn’t able to attend the funeral. It’s almost like it didn’t happen. Except it did and it saddens me as I realize it.

I will miss my buddy, Denny. He was a great dude. And I really appreciated our friendship and conversations. I can’t wait to see him again some day. Tell Jesus “hi” for me, Denny!

Life is short and it will be over before we know it. It is time to start living. 

Tell someone today that you love them. 

Reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to. 

Follow through on that good intention.

It’s time to start living your dream and it’s never too early or too late.

Don’t let fear or anxiety hold you back. 

I read recently that the COVID vaccine was given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA because the benefits outweighed the risk. Vaccines typically take years, even decades to develop and get approval. Yet, the COVID vaccine was quickened for obvious public health reasons. But, the EUA was granted because the benefit outweighed the risks. 

The same is true for our dreams. Sometimes fear holds us back. The unknown prevents us from taking a step forward. But, I want to encourage you today. No one knows what tomorrow holds.

The benefit of your dream outweighs the risks.

Go for it.