SAN DIEGO -- Those who are connected to people who support LGBT equality on Social Media sites such as Facebook likely saw an online sea of purple when logging on this morning. In support LGBT youth and anti-bullying efforts, thousands of people will join in the Spirit Day movement, which encourages people to “go purple.”

First started by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan in 2010, the campaign has since taken off, now being coordinated GLAAD, with support from The Trevor Project and GLSEN, and corporations like American Apparel and Toyota.

Whether you are seeing the Hillcrest Youth Center (HYC) space or its coordinator, Sophia Arrendondo, the axiom rings true: big things can come in small packages. While both are arguably diminutive in size, there is no question that a lot of love is packed into the space as well as the woman who runs it.

Looking back, 2011 seems to have been a year where many of us lost loved ones.

Whether it’s just our age group, or life slapping us in the face, it seems to be happening all around us.
 
What if you were to die today?

I know it's not a fun topic, but it's a necessary conversation to have.

Many individuals recognize the benefits of planning for the future.  Such efforts often uncover problems and frequently provide the motivation to make needed changes. 

For the most part, the issues involved are positive and enjoyable (i.e. retirement, well–educated children, etc.).

Most of the year we are all busy juggling work, family, friends, community service, etc. Around the holidays, it all seems to go into high gear, but with a joyful twist.

For some, it seems that the holiday season brings out their inner child, but for others, it may awaken their inner grump.

Who are you during the holidays?

Are you a joyful child or a Scrooge?

Are you aware of the tinsel and mistletoe, or just that old lady who cut you off at the mall to steal your parking space?