Amanda Lindhout

“The big-time journalists generally had kidnapping insurance through their news organizations. Usually, it would pay for a crisis response company to help negotiate for a hostage's release. Freelancers most often had none.”

“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 never felt an obligation to say every single terrible thing that happened to me.”

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

“The countries with the greatest problems have the kindest people.”

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

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

“It's difficult to put into words what freedom feels like. You only know what freedom feels like if you know what it feels like to not be free.”

“My faith in human decency was sorely tested at times during my captivity; however, after my release, I am humbly reminded that mankind is inherently good by the tremendous efforts and support of fellow Canadians.”

“I would like to especially acknowledge my home community of Calgary, and the people of central Alberta who made my dream of freedom a reality.”

“Going into Somalia, I didn't anticipate how many people's lives would be affected by it. In hindsight, I certainly wish I had taken more time to think about that, but I can't change it.”

“It was a lesson the world had already taught me and was teaching me still. You don't know what's possible until you actually see it.”

“My confidence came from the way I grew up, and I'm grateful for it.”

“The greatest gift you have been given is the gift of your imagination - what do you dream of wanting to do?”

“By concentrating on what I was grateful for, I was able to stave off despair.”

“Being in the dark, there's a real weight to it. It's heavy.”

“Sometimes, you have to make the choice to forgive 10 times a day when you have these pockets of anger come up. That's a lot of work, but to me it's worthwhile.”

“War dehumanizes everyone.”

“Hamdi Ulukaya and Chobani have made the decision to feed 250,000 victims of the Somali famine. Their compassion speaks for itself, and is a shining example of how the business community can have an enormous positive impact on the world.”

“I have a general sense of excitement about the future, and I don't know what that looks like yet. But it will be whatever I make it.”