Being born and raised as a Californian, I somewhat ignorantly had taken for granted the diversity and liberal mindset that shaped my childhood and adult life.

My weight fluctuated when I was 30, and I did the unthinkable - I stepped out as a plus-sized model.

My days are jam-packed with carpools, classroom assistance, tending to chickens, dogs and seven acres of olive trees!

Exposing any subject that is unpleasant or controversial means risking judgment and making some people feel uncomfortable.

While women across the globe have many differences - language, culture, environment - our similarities are undeniable, and the impact of abuse and oppression affects us all.

I was in a sushi bar and it dawned on me - how could I discriminate between a cow and a fish?

In the past, I often found that when I reached out for a fast cure it led me down a slippery slope of more medications, hopeful dependence on the next prescription and ultimately a much longer drawn-out illness.