Scott Kearnan: Dwelling In the Process

The Five Things Scott are Thankful For:

1. Family - As I Define It (I feel boring saying this, but it's #1)
2. Courage
3. An Inquisitive Mind
4. Tradition
5. Madonna

Josh Beasley: Communicating Real Joy

Five Things Josh Beasley is Thankful For:

1. The ability to change and grow.  I am grateful for my own ability to change – even when it’s hard to hear and difficult to make that change.  Without that change, I would never be able to live my best life!  But I also appreciate other people’s ability to change and grow!  When I get to see that, it’s like being given a glimpse behind the curtain of a miracle!

2. My amazing friends who support and love me through everything life throws my way!  Together we talk, laugh, cry, pray, eat, drink and dance our way through this journey and I couldn’t think of a better way to do it! 

3. Things that make me laugh because they remind me to not take everything so damn seriously.  Sometimes it’s the mindless giggles caused by The Simpsons.  Or my drunken friends (most of them) as we one-up each other into big, loud, belly-laughs!  Laughter helps me remember to breathe, to relax and to let go! 

4. The realization that I deserve good things in my life.  This is a BIG one!  On the surface I’ve been told I don’t come across as insecure, but I’ve struggled for years with low self-esteem.  I have always had a negative kernel deep inside telling me I’m not good enough, I don’t deserve better, I can’t maintain.  Until recently, this small but powerful lie has dictated more of my life than I want to admit.  But it is a lie based in fear; it is not reality!  Knowing that means I get to choose, I am not dictated to by my fear.  “When you know better, you do better.”

5. Having a job that I love that also makes a difference in the lives of other people.  Anyone in my life knows that I work in nonprofit organizations and will probably never leave this type of work.  As I’ve grown personally, I’ve been able to grow professionally as well.  It is such a blessing to use the gifts I’ve been given to help others!

www.insightfulvoice.com

Alex Gonzalez: Identifying Passion and Service

Five Things Alex Is Thankful For:

1. My family: my parents have worked so hard their whole lives to make sure I had opportunities they never had. They are the single biggest influence on my life.

2. My mentors: as the first member of my family to go to medical school, I have really needed to rely on the advice of teachers and colleagues throughout my training and career. Their guidance has meant so much to me, because it has been offered not out of a sense of obligation but out of a genuine interest in helping me succeed.

 3. The book: "Outing Yourself" by Michelangelo Signorile. I grew up in a very conservative and insular environment. This book was the closest thing to an "It Gets Better" video that we had in 1999. If I hadn't read it, I doubt I'd be successful, happy -- and perhaps even alive -- today.

 4. My patients: My patients, and the 16,000 patients of Fenway Health, are an automatic daily affirmation for me. It's extremely rewarding to know that such special people -- some of them very vulnerable, with tough struggles in their lives -- can trust me and depend on me to help them.

 5. My friends: They say that friends are family that you choose to have in your life. I'm so lucky to have friends from every phase of my life. It brings me so much joy to get to share in their lives, to watch how much we have all grown up. And since I'm so far away from my family in Miami, I really value my friends up North as a source of support, solace, and celebration.
www.insightfulvoice.com

Jimmy Rock: Being Who You Are...Unapologetically

Five Things Jimmy Rock Is Thankful For:

1.  My friends:  During undergrad and law school, I happened upon some kindred souls that have stayed close by me on life's journey.  This small group of guys know me completely and it is a relief to know they are there for me no matter what.  Most of has have wandered off to different cities at this point and one of my favorite parts of the year is when we all (or mostly all) get together.  it is a time when I can let my guard down, and generally just cut up and enjoy being around them.  You know who you are and I love you guys.
2.  My boyfriend:  What can I say, anyone that is willing to put up with me for four years and counting is a saint.  We have been through a lot in those four years, most of it good, and I look forward to the next forty.  Match.com said we were only 80% compatible, but that is only on our worst days.  Most of the time its closer to 83%.  I love you, Tom!

3.  Karaoke and/or Piano Bars: It is true, I have been known to belt out a showtune or two and my rendition of Holly Near's Daddy's Hands will bring a tear to the eye of the most jaded queen.  I am always on the search for a new haunt when on the road -- my current top three are Marie's Crisis in Greenwich Village, Tavern on Camac in Philly and the Front Porch Bar in P-Town.  And, of course, if James and I are ever together, and you should catch our version of Copacabana, you will be the thankful one. 
4.  My Parents:  Joyce and Calvin are simply the best.  They supported me without hesitation when I came out and gave me the space to move off and be who I wanted to be without too much grief.  And they are surrogate parents to most of my friends too!
5.  Rooms in church basements:  They have saved my life.      

www.insightfulvoice.com