Reading Eagle Editor Harry Deitz

Book signing
I will be among several Sunbury Press authors who will sign books at Barnes & Noble, 4445 Southmont Way, Easton, from 12-4 on Saturday, February 24. I will talk about and sign copies of my two baseball books, "Gentleman Jake: The Success and Tragedy of the Deadball Era’s Greatest First Baseman" and "Covey: A Stone’s Throw from a Coal Mine to the Hall of Fame."

Harry Deitz Book author Harry Deitz writes about interesting people and experiences.

Seven years ago, at the beginning of 2017, I wrote a column listing 17 simple ways to improve the world in the coming years. They still apply today. If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, here are some for consideration.

Imagine how much better the world could be if all of us resolved to make the world a better place. Imagine how much better it could be if just one of us did that. It really isn’t difficult. We just need to make up our minds to do positive little things that will add up to positive big things. Often, they are things that don’t take much time or energy.
They may not cost anything. But the rewards—the paybacks—are immeasurable. So, in the spirit of a new year, here are 17 simple and easy things we can do to improve the world around us.
1. There’s an old caution sign at railroad crossings: Stop, look, and listen. It also should apply to communication and understanding. Think how much better things would be if we stopped or at least slowed down, looked a person in the eye and really listened to what he or she has to say. That certainly would derail some of the anger and misunderstandings in the world.
2. Say something positive to someone every day. You may never know how much a kind word or a compliment will mean to that person, but you will feel better after you’ve done it.
3. Make a donation to a charity. Money helps, but donations also come in the form of your time.
4. Don’t make judgments. There are people in the world who judge us before they know us. They judge us before they know all the facts. They disapprove when we have different opinions. Sometimes there isn’t right or wrong; there is just different. Don’t just talk tolerance; practice it.
5. Say hello to a stranger. How much effort does it take? What is the real risk? Many of our best relationships began with a simple “hello.”
6. Give something anonymously to someone in need. Don’t look for recognition or appreciation. Focus on what you can do for a “he” or “she,” instead of asking, “what’s in it for me?”
7. Have a conversation with a child. Not a lesson or a lecture. You may be surprised at how much you can learn and how much you can teach when you talk and listen.
8. Make a call to someone you haven’t spoken with in years. Better yet, visit that person.
9. Don’t wish away a single day. How often have we been anxious for a day to be over? We only have so many days, and we don’t know how many. So even when things are going really badly, don’t give up on that day. Think positive, and make every day special. And consider tomorrow a new opportunity to do what we weren’t able to do today.
10. Say you are sorry. It’s never too late, and it’s not as painful as it may seem.
11. Forgiveness isn’t only one of the best things you can do for others. It also is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. It removes burdens. It helps you to see clearly. It repairs what is broken. Time may reduce our pain but doesn’t always remove it. Forgiveness will.
12. Take a quiet walk. Look at the world around you. How can you help but marvel at God’s creation when you push away all of the distractions in your life?
13. Happiness isn’t something we are given. It’s something we choose. So choose happiness.
14. Cherish your memories more than your possessions. They not only are more important, but they will last much longer.
15. Smile. I can’t think of an expression that can have a more positive impact on someone else—and on yourself. It’s difficult to be angry or cranky when you’re smiling.
16. Pray for peace. If you believe in prayer, you already understand its power. If you don’t, what do you have to lose?
17. Tell people you love them. It’s something you can’t do too often. It’s something they will never tire of hearing.