"Citius-Altius-Fortius"

Latin for "Swifter, Higher, Stronger". Dad wrote an email to his kids today, reporting on their time in Athens. Dad is there doing TDY, while mom and Debora spend there time gallivanting about Europe. Here is some of what he wrote, which inspired the rest of the post:

It's been interesting being in Greece during the Olympic weeks. Even though the venue changes every 4 years, the Greeks truly believe that "Olympic ism" is exclusively Greek - it's in their DNA - it's part of the Greek soul. And that's a two-edged sword, because, as you may have read, that kind of fervor sometimes leads less disciplined people to do really foolish things in their quest for Olympic dominance. Tragically no fewer than FIFTEEN Greek Olympians have been disqualified in the past four months on doping charges. How demeaning to theirs of all countries - the birthplace of of "sportsmanship". Add to that such bad behavior as China's committee and coaches lying, cheating, and deceiving in order to dominate the modern Olympic scene and one wonders what is happening to the Olympic spirit.

When the Olympic Games were resurrected in 1896 the motto they chose was "Citius, Altius, Fortius", Latin for "Swifter, Higher, Stronger" - noble words that have stirred the spirits and stretched the abilities of the thousands of Olympians who have competed - the vast majority of them fairly - since then. But today's games seem to be reflecting a trend in our world society that is giving new meaning to those words: "Give me what I want in life, and I want it fast"; "I expect a higher salary, rank, honors - without having to work for them"; "Give me more power & dominion over others - without the responsibility to serve them"; and so on.

Thankfully, the vast majority of the thousands of Olympians who competed this month still believe in the true spirit of the games - and, as there can only be one fastest, highest, or strongest at any one time, most of them walked away even the losers. But even losers can leave the games with a sense of accomplishment. I was touched by two of the competitors who ended up last in their event:
South Africa's Natalie Du Toit finished the grueling 10K open water swim in 16th place, more than a minute behind the gold medalist. But she did it with one leg, having lost the other in a motorcycle accident. And she vows to come back even better in 2012.
Twenty-eight year old Erica Bartolina from Eugene Oregon, has been pole vaulting since high school, and this year she soared 15 centimeters higher than her personal best to secure the last spot on the US vaulting team. Erica lost an eye when she was four months old and has to compensate for her lack of depth perception. Accidents have repeatedly interrupted her career. At the Chinese training base, just prior to the opening ceremonies, she lacerated her chin on the crossbar and sustained a concussion and whiplash when she landed. She subsequently failed all three attempts in the qualifying round. But she knows that she will be an Olympian forever.
And my hero of the games, who did win the gold, is Matthias Steiner, the strongest man in the world. After lifting an amazing 258 kg he stepped onto the podium, tearfully clutching a photo of his late wife Susann who was killed in a car crash just a year ago. "She's always with me", he said. "I hope she saw me. I wish..."
I have no doubt that he would have gladly traded a bucketful of gold medals for one more embrace, one last goodbye...or the hope that he really can be with her again - forever.

Yep, you guessed it, I see a parallel coming. I couldn't help but ponder on what Citius-Altius-Fortius might inspire me to achieve, and a lot of thoughts came rushing in. Here's a start:
May I be swifter about getting around to doing good in the world.
May I reach a higher level of spiritual and family commitment.
May I build stronger family bonds.
What would yours be?

...OK, now I'm done. Love ya,
NDM

The first thing that came to mind when I read the motto was, "I need to put that on a wall in my home." Now I think that came to mind because I have been trying to figure out ways to decorate my walls. I don't know that I want to encourage my children to be Olympians, per say, though the spirit of it can be inspiring. Now I am pondering what my Swifter, Higher, Stronger would be.
May I be swifter to rescue my distressed child- better yet, prevent a need for being rescued (ha, not a chance there)
May I reach higher to clean the cob webs dangling from my ceiling.
May I be stronger without sleep that I may accomplish all that needs to get done in a day.

But seriously pondering this definitely makes me think of my priorities. For each priority, I would say it would take a slightly different form:

Priority of My relationship with the Savior and my Father in Heaven:
May I be swift to heed the commandments and personal direction I am given.
May I reach a higher level of righteousness and discipleship.
May I be a stronger example of what is right. Stronger in my self discipline. Stronger in my faith in Heavenly Father and his plan for me.

Priority of Family Relationships:
May I be swift to humble myself and be more patient, loving, forgiving, and most definitely more grateful.
May I elevate my thoughts to concentrate on the positive and see the good in those around me,
May I be stronger in making my family a true priority through my thoughts and actions. Stronger in my service to them.

Priority of work and education:
May I be swift to accomplish that which is worthy of study and work.
May I reach a higher level of commitment to continually educating myself.
May I be stronger in self discipline to finish what I start.

Priority of my callings in the church:
May I be swift to see the needs of those around me.
May I reach higher in my focus, committing to make all we do in the church a strength to the individual family unit. (Specifically speaking of my current calling of Enrichment Counselor in Relief Society)
May I be stronger in my faith and in seeking direction from the Father in all that I do.

Priority of anything and everything else:
May I be swift to accomplish good in this world.
May I strive for the higher good- doing the Best of what's available and not just settling for Good or Better.
May I be stronger in keeping my priorities my priority and staying true to my beliefs.

Thank you, dad, for helping me spend time on this exercise. It has been very cathartic and makes me realize I should spend time thinking on these things more often. This gives me something to work on for the Olympics of everyday living. I have not been able to see much of the actual Olympics, but I do believe we can all be Olympians in our own life, even though it isn't in the spotlight of the rest of the world. And actually, being out of the spotlight sometimes helps us focus on what really matters. I am sure grateful that I am not famous!