To the Younger

To The Younger Stories and lessons to help teenagers and young adults deal with life's problems and see the big picture. (Self Esteem, Substance Abuse, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Bullying and Judging Others, Losing Love, and Making Good Choices, to Help You Live a Happy Life). By Mark J. Spanbauer Photographs by Amanda J. Spanbauer As time has gone on I have become increasingly empathetic to the difficulties teenagers and young adults face in this increasingly complicated world. In my thirty years as a physical education teacher, coach, and in my sixty years of life in general, I have seen and experienced many things. I have witnessed bullying and people judging and talking about others. I have lost love, experienced low self-esteem and depression, and seen others follow through with their suicidal thoughts. I have seen the effects of substance abuse (lives ruined or lost), and continue to have my own troubles with alcohol abuse. I decided a couple years ago to try to help young people deal with the problems they may be experiencing. I hope as you will read my stories and lessons you think about them. I just want you to think before you act, and make good choices so you can go on to live a happy life. Sincerely; Mark J. Spanbauer