I tell people that what happened in the desert in late 2013 was a transformative experience.

It was the worst — and best — thing that ever happened to me.

Worst, because I almost died. I almost lost the chance to see my children grow.

Best, because the experience taught me that you can’t let fear dictate your life’s course.

And so it is that I — a lifelong journalist — started a new job in a new field last week.

I knew I needed a change. But until I started my new job, I didn’t realize just how much I needed something different. Something challenging.

And I’ve found that once you start making big changes, it’s easier to keep embracing the new.

Suddenly, I’m thinking about new schools, new houses, new hobbies.

I feel so alive. So invigorated.

And I wonder if that’s why God let us stumble through the desert close to death.

Maybe you have to accept death in order to embrace life.

I don’t know.

Regardless. I am so grateful to still be around. I am so happy to have a chance to try something out of my comfort zone.

What I do know, after last year, is that life is meant to LIVED — not endured or survived.

So happy new year, all! And God bless.