Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Young in the Spirit

Young in Sprit cover 4-22-2013 - Copy

Research shows a list of factors that contribute toward longevity and vitality. Genetics, a strong social network, balanced nutrition, exercise, limited stress, optimism, and a sense of humor all contribute.

A solid spiritual foundation also is of key importance. Studies confirm that people with a strong faith can indeed live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Spirituality promotes not only longer living but better living as well, because when the spirit is strong, the mind and body are strengthened as well. We can get through the challenges of aging and caregiving easier when we ride on the wings of faith.

My newest book, Young in the Spirit. Spiritual Strengthening for Seniors and Caregivers, was just released. The book explores some of the ways in which we can build on our faith, especially in our senior years or while caregiving. Topics include, making personal prayers and devotions part of our daily routine, participating in a faith community, serving and caring for seniors, reaching for the Lord in our suffering and loss, and sharing our spiritual story.

I wrote Young in the Spirit because I found books for the general reader on the combination of faith and aging, as well as such a resource for caregivers, to be limited.  The book is short and easy-to-read at only 125 pages but contains a lot to contemplate. It is written from a Christian, specifically Catholic, viewpoint as a caregiver and one who is fast approaching the senior years.

Copies can be ordered from:

©Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Young in the Spirit”

  1. 8kidsandabusiness

    Mary, this sounds like a book I need in my nursing practice since all of my patients are seniors, many of them Catholic. I’m going over to Amazon to check it out.

    Reply
    1. 8kidsandabusiness

      Congratulations!

      Reply
    2. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. The description on Amazon isn’t very detailed. Let me know if you’d like more information.

      Reply
  2. Beth

    I am definitely going to get this one, Mary. It looks like something that would really apply to me right now.

    And you are NOT that old!

    Reply
    1. grammaladyf

      Mary, I just recommended this book to a friend of mine who is the caregiver for his mother with Alzheimer’s.

      Reply
      1. Mary K. Doyle

        Thank you, Beth. Keeping Norm in my prayers.

  3. 8kidsandabusiness

    Mary, I just ordered your book from Amazon. I’m expecting delivery to Canada sometime July 9 – 26. I’ll let you know when it arrives.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Please do. I am interested in what you think about the book.

      Reply
      1. 8kidsandabusiness

        The book came early. Unfortunately, I’ve only had a chance to skim through some of it but I’m planning on taking it on vacation in August and reading it thoroughly. I like what I’ve read so far, both from the point of view of a RN who cares for the elderly and from the point of view of a Christian. In other words, Mary, I’m really excited to read it. I’d like to blog about the book, probably in September, if that’s OK with you. Thanks for including the part about parish nurses. With our aging and disabled populations, they’re a necessity in supporting the culture of life. Will contact you in September. Can u send me your email?

      2. Mary K. Doyle

        I am very interested in your thoughts on the book, Terry. There is one section that may make you uncomfortable. It is about the variety of people in the pews and their ideas of the church they want. I prayed about it many times, and each time, someone else would approach me or I’d read an article on the topic. I felt led to include it.
        The point I hope I made is that, no matter how we differ in our cultures, ideals, morals, and goals, we are to treat one another lovingly, to care for one another. We can’t know what our love can do for anyone.
        My email address is: marykdoyle@att.net

      3. 8kidsandabusiness

        The most valuable lesson I’ve learned over the years caring for people of all cultures, religions, morals, lifestyles is that as children of God (whether they believe it/know it or not), we are all deserving of dignity and respect. Some of the most interesting and memorable people I’ve nursed wouldn’t step foot in a Catholic Church yet we established valuable nurse-patient relationships. We can’t be their judge. Like you said, we can’t know what our love can do for anyone. So true, Mary.

      4. Mary K. Doyle

        It’s an honor to know you, Terry. No doubt you are an excellent, caring nurse and individual.
        I hope you are no where near the train explosion we are hearing about in Ontario.

      5. 8kidsandabusiness

        Thank you, Mary. It’s an honour to know you, too. No, we don’t live anywhere near that awful explosion.

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