Check Out Jonathon McClellan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathon McClellan.

Hi Jonathon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began as unconventionally as it was unexpected. After my parents divorced in the early 90s, I found myself celebrating my seventh birthday party at a homeless shelter with my single pregnant mother. Not long after that, I became a ward of the state, bouncing from foster home to foster home. I experienced a lot of physical and emotional abuse, which forced me to grow up before my time. Oddly enough, I was happier in the shelter when I was with my mother – not because of its stability, but because of the wellspring of love that I was surrounded by. The greatest poverty one can ever face is emotional poverty. Though my foster families did their best to provide all my physical needs, I lacked intimacy in the form of a nurturing relationship. But I don’t regret anything. Had I not experienced my greatest struggles, I never would know what the air tasted like when I rose above them. Sometimes, the reason that we are struggling is because God is trying to teach us wisdom. I was gaining the most essential element to what I would later need to pursue my dreams: empathy or the ability to understand what someone else is going through.

You see, my dream has always been to change the world, to truly help people. In a world made smaller by our connectedness, when one life is changed, the world is changed. Anyone can make a positive impact on the world around them.

After I turned 18, the past was behind me. I went on a journey of self-discovery and started working for many non-profits: Save the Children, Children’s International, Greenpeace, the Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, and many more. Later, at 22, I developed Schizophrenia, a severe and debilitating mental disorder. Those people you see who are dirty, talking to themselves, and digging out of trash cans – well, one of them could very well had been me.

This was my greatest battle to overcome, and it lasted for about seven years. Eventually, I sought help from God and many everyday angels like doctors, counselors, family, and friends. Less than five years ago, I started journaling in my own style of prose, poetry, and short stories. When I started sharing my art with others, it was clear that I was meant to. Unknowingly, I wrote my first book, Messages of Hope, and then my second, The Ant’s Palace (for children). They became overnight bestsellers on Amazon this year, and Messages of Hope was able to feature a golden seal from Writer’s Digest magazine.

Today, I’m traveling around the country as a motivational speaker and address issues like mental health, poverty, abuse, discrimination, and much more. I even spoke on the grand stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City with a message of inclusion and world peace. Remember, anything is possible!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ll just put it out there, but yes and no. Yes, my life has never been better. No, because since the pandemic, quality managers and agents are harder to come by. They aren’t looking for talent like they used to. Ideally, I’d like someone who can get me into rooms that I’ve never been in before – someone who understands my message and can help me to share it around the world. Nevertheless, I welcome the challenge and what I will gain from the experience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Messages of Hope is a book of devotionals and short stories. It’s the first book of seven. I’m excited to say that Messages of Peace is coming out next year. I’ve put EVERYTHING into these books – all that I’ve learned, my deepest prayers, and scenes from my past. The Ant’s Palace is another series, but this time, for kids! One of my biggest goals was to teach kids what true riches are: the bonds that we make with others. Every child will be able to identify with a character because all races are represented. Children need to see themselves; they deserve it. Here’s one more piece of exciting news – the sequel, Princess Petit and the Island of Giants, is also coming out next year! Both books are available everywhere books are sold.

As a professional speaker, it is my mission to meet my client’s needs – even if that means that I’m telling someone else’s story. It is essential for good communication that we listen and engage with one another. Sometimes, I like to discover the stories not being told and break the silence.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me personally, rather than discovering what someone can do for me, I try to find something that I can do for them. When building upon a relationship, remember that you’re not the only person who has needs. Sometimes, when you serve the needs of others, you end up serving your own needs as well. What a person puts out into the world will inevitably come back to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: jonathonmcclellan.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathonmichaelmcclellan/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/newseedsofhope
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_o6CVKctMRf-3bqmtM9LA