I've realized that the world is, in essence, full of banana peels - loaded with things that may unwittingly trip an internal wire in my mind, opening a floodgate of fears without warning.

Contemplating Christmas when you are isolated and far from home brings its own unique pain.

The same men who are placing all these outrageous restrictions on women’s freedoms in southern Somalia – that type of mentality – that’s what I had to deal with in captivity.

I don't think I'm unusual in that, in my 20s, like many people, I felt invincible.

Maintaining my dignity is so important for me.

A little goes a long way in Somalia: $5 will feed a person there for about two weeks.

I am so proud to be a Canadian.