As I struggled with what to get family members for the holiday season, my grandma insisted that I revert back to the special homemade gifts that I made when I was younger. That is exactly what I did and I wish for something much more homemade for the young women around us.

Many of us go through difficult times in our life, some at a younger age than others. When life gets extremely hard it is difficult to remember to be kind to others. Since my mom (best friend and mentor) passed away I have struggled with giving kindness to others. The ironic thing is my mom’s go to phrase was always, “Ashley, be kind!”

As time has moved on, I have exchanged my southern Indiana roots for city living and one of the best career moves I could have made, I have finally found my kindness again. By meeting and talking to young women around the city, I have learned that without strength and kindness none of us could get through the tough times that life throws our way. Of course it is easy to forget to be kind to one another, but as my Christmas wish I hope that the young women around us remember to express kindness in all situations.

Each day I meet many new people, but the faces that I remember as I drive home at night are the ones that smiled at me. This Christmas, pass on the best “homemade” gift possible, give your kindness, even if it is just with a smile.