FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

Aside from a wedding here and there, I haven't really dressed up in seven years -- ever since I had my first baby and decided to trade a professional job for a mommy job. No need for dress pants and tops or suits and fancy shoes.

For all these years, my office attire has been hanging in my closet because all I wear nowadays is fitness gear. Track pants and shorts, short and long-sleeved t-shirts, fleece pull-overs, a ski jacket, and tennis shoes make up most of my wardrobe. I don't even care much for jeans. I prefer comfy clothes for my at-home ventures. They suit me well. My suits? Not so fitting anymore.

My suits are fitting for some homeless folks in my area, says a mommy friend who works with this population. So I'm donating them all. Just packed them up and loaded them in my car in fact. I plan to transfer them tomorrow morning when I see this mommy in our kids' school parking lot.

I feel fit in most areas of my life. I feel physically fit, emotionally fit, and pretty financially fit. Not everyone enjoys my luxury. Some people are busy simply surviving and don't even have physical fitness on their radars. Many are depressed, deep in despair over their life conditions. Most have no money at all. Some live outdoors and spend their hours seeking warmth and nourishment. Not much chance for a fit lifestyle. Yet, despite their misfortune, some are trying to come back to life. That's where my suits come into play.

My friend told me some of the homeless people she serves are trying really hard to get jobs. But they don't have the proper clothing for interviews. That's why I'm donating mine. And why my husband will go through his closet tonight so can donate too. It's the least we can do, in celebration of our fitness and in hopes others find theirs.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force released a new report on homelessness in LGBT youth. Of the estimated 1.6 million homeless American youth, between 20 and 40 percent are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and are at risk on the streets as well as in the shelter system. Considering that between 3 percent and 5 percent of the U.S. population identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual it is clear that LGBT youth experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate. Once these youth come out to their parents many are told to leave home. Many leave home on their own to get away from physical and mental abuse.

The report touches on the harassment and violence that many of these youth experience in the shelter system and also on critical problems affecting their mental health like depression, loneliness, withdrawn behavior and delinquency. Homeless LGBT youth run a higher risk of substance abuse and risky sexual behavior leading to many sexually transmitted diseases. LGBT youth face the threat of victimization everywhere, at home, at school, at their jobs, at shelters, and on the streets. To learn more information on this topic visit the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force website. Get involved as a volunteer with these youth and become a mentor.

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