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

In my version of paradise, the air was always cold and the rivers ran with candy.

I think that I find a lot of my healing out in the world.

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

I know firsthand how critical support systems are.

I used my captors names every chance I had. It was intentional, a way of reminding them that I saw them, of pegging them, of making them see me in return.

Getting on a plane is hard for me, but I do it, because travel is vital to me.