During the Q&A, an audience member asked about the approach to get great child performances (two of the films had incredible performances by tiny actors). Both directors described their technique, one even sharing that she also would at times not tell the kids when she was filming to capture more “real” moments. It definitely worked for her film.

As I headed back to my lodging in the snow, I thought about our “on camera” and “off camera” times as people. I’ll admit that I’m definitely a bit more animated and a bit more lively when I’m around others. Still, I wondered if I’m always truly being my authentic self or if I put on a performance version of me and then have the “off camera” version of me–which is the real me.

My hope is that the two align.

In terms of the speaking profession, I was lucky to have great mentors early on like Phil Boyte, Micah Jacobson, & Scott Greenberg who I think are great people on and off the stage. I see them as really authentic people. I hope to do the same.

As you go through your day, strive for authenticity.

(Oh and if you ever have the chance to make it to Park City in January… DO IT! I love being here for the festival)

“I’M PATRICK”

I wear it every St. Patrick’s Day, and still I’m always surprised by the reactions I get.

“Are you really Patrick?”

“Is your name really Patrick?”

“Wow, you’re actually named Patrick?”

On more than one occasion, I’ve gone through airport security on St. Patrick’s Day only to have the TSA agent surprised by the shirt and the fact that my government ID matches up with the name.

I never thought the shirt would be this surprising. No, I’m not claiming to have anything to do with snakes and Ireland, but my name really is Patrick. It seemed like a funny and practical St. Patrick’s Day shirt. I never thought so many people would be surprised by my honesty with the shirt. Yet, it seems that’s where we’re sadly heading–to a place where honesty is not the norm.

I’m not happy about that, and I think we need to strive to change it.

A friend of mine posted a facebook status update today: “Quote from student leadership essay, ‘I am honest in mostly everything I do.’ Is that the new trend?”

I hope it isn’t. I hope that we can be more honest and more authentic. Yes, there are situations where people don’t need brutal honesty or an “I told you so,” but we do need to be real.

We need to be true to ourselves and to the person we strive to be.

We need to be authentic in our interactions and our relationships.

If we do this, I believe we’ll reach a better understanding of who we are and the nature of our relationships.

It’s what I hope and try to do as I live each day stating ”I’M PATRICK”

I’ve been doing fairly well saying “no” to sweets recently, but a Girl Scout cookie is pretty hard to refuse. I believe in support the Girl Scout programs and I also do enjoy a sleeve of Thin Mints (let’s be honest, no one eats just one). I told them I’d hit them up on my way out.

As I shopped (trying to buy healthy food to offset the cookie awesomeness I would also bring home with me), I thought about the beauty of the Girl Scout Cookie. It’s limited in its availability like a Disney DVD or the Starbucks Holiday drinks. Purchasing it supports a good cause like TOMS Shoes or the (RED) product line. It simply tastes good.

When I was in college it took me everything not to buy a package of Girl Scout Cookies a day. I was good for the most part except when the youngest little kids came on campus and simple said, “cookie?” I know I’m going to have problems if my cousins’ kids ever try to hit me up for sales because I have trouble turning down their cuteness.

On Monday, I thought I’d try a slightly different approach. I knew I was going to get a box of Thin Mints (can anyone really resist those?), but I thought I’d be open to the possibility.

“Which cookies is the best?”

“These ones,” the girl replied. “They have little caramel chips in them & taste really good.” Her mom was actually surprised by her recommendation. ”Dulce de Leche?”

“Yep, those are the ones.”

I paid my $8 for the two boxes and headed home.

At home as I ate my frozen sleeve of Thin Mints, I thought about those elements and how we could potentially apply them to our organizations.

Every package of cookies describes what Girl Scouts promotes. Do people that support our organizations know what we stand for and who we serve?

The Girl Scouts are consistent in their sales time frame and limited scope. Do we have any annual events, projects, promotions in our organizations? Do we utilize limited editions to increase involvement and the feeling of obtaining of something with value?

The Girl Scouts are personally involved in the sales. When asked, they share what they like even if it isn’t necessarily the mainstream favorite. Are we personally invested in our organization’s programs, events, products, and promotions? Do we remain authentic in our promotion of these things?

Just some food for thought or rather a “cookie to consider.”