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After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life
At the very end of 2016, I was hit by a drunk driver in Thailand and ended up going through a 4 hour-long plastic surgery that cost over $10,000, which saved my life…
Lying in the hospital bed I realized this was one of the best things that could have ever happened to me, because it made me realize how short and wonderful life was and that I should live every day of my life as if it was my last.
So once I left the hospital, I decided to make the most of every single day I get to spend living my life and… that made 2017 the best year of my life!
More info: Instagram
At the end of 2016, I was hit by a drunk driver in Thailand and ended up going through a 4 hour-long plastic surgery that saved my life…
It was one of the best things that could have happened to me, because it made me realize I should live every single day as if it was my last
So once I left the hospital, I decided to make the most of every day I get to spend living my life and…
That made 2017 THE BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE!
I fulfilled my childhood’s dream and hiked to the basecamp of Mt. Everest
Spent time chilling in the gorgeous deserts of Iran
Went skydiving in New Zealand with some breath-taking views
Got myself into crazy snowstorms motorbiking in India
Had a blast driving over 3,000 kilometers all around Oman
Climbed dozens of mountains and volcanoes
Spent 3 days camping in the so-called “Mars On Earth”
Couldn’t believe my eyes witnessing sunsets like this
Took some of ’em touristy pictures in Hobbiton
Spent 5 days living in the slums of Mumbai
Had some epic corn drinks in South Korea
And simply had an absolute blast living every day as if it was my last!
See it all in the video below!
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What do you think ?
Molly Tallmadge 6 years ago
In 2015, my friends mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Due to the low chance of survival, she is now traveling the world and beating the odds! She was expected to die last month as it progressed. But she still lives on. My friend is in Peru with her, and it's so beautiful!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Molly, wow! That mom is SO INSPIRING! I wish her all the best and hope that she keeps living her life on her own terms beating all the odds. Forwarrrd!
Load More Replies...
John L 6 years ago
I'm still trying to decide if your companion was a human, or a tripod. Of course the skydiving picture is obvious there.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
It'd either be friends I'd make on the road or a tripod haha!
Load More Replies...
Mixedupste 6 years ago
Wow!! Its great you have done all this but how can you afford to do it??
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling. Works out quite well :)
Load More Replies...
Johnny ล unรญk 6 years ago
Same here... Last year I was hit by a car and ended up im-mobile for half a year... a big reset both physicaly and mentaly as I re-evaluated all my aims and life goals... after I re-learned how to walk again I am enjoying every step I make more than ever... every step and every day...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Awesome to know that, Johnny! Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - forwarrrd! :)
Load More Replies...
Painted Baer 6 years ago
Good for you! I feel the exact same day about life as you ~ always have! I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2001 ~ the good thing about that was friends actually started doing their bucket lists with me! Funny thing is we are all dying, it is the only guarantee we have in life. Life is so amazing...I could live a thousand lifetimes and still never do everything I would like, but I am working on it... ;-)
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Wow, I'm really happy you see everything this way - I'm with you 100%! Let's make the most of our limited time here :)
Load More Replies...
SanchaTheSeeker 6 years ago
You are a very inspirational man. You are inspiring others to keep going no matter the obstacle. We are all fighting our own battles whether it is a 10000 word paper or a fight to live, keep going. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!!!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much for your support - it truly means a lot to me! Good luck with that 10,000 word paper - YOU CAN DO IT!
Load More Replies...
Beatz Girl (Erica) 6 years ago
This is amazing! One of my favourites quotes is "sometimes something bad has to happen because you can experience the good" and this is an excellent example of that. I'm so glad your accident gave you the opportunity to go on such amazing adventures. It looks like a dream come true!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Working remotely paid for this :)
Load More Replies...
PyroarRanger 6 years ago
That's amazing! I bet you could travel to more places in 2018, and experience amazing places and things!
Elizabott 6 years ago
Bad. A*s. Dude. I can't even imagine the endurance power you must have. Come to Canada sometime!!!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I'd love to - it's one of those countries I've wanted to visit for years, hey! :)
Load More Replies...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
If you find a remote job, you can!
Load More Replies...
MayaD 6 years ago
How can a plastic surgery save someones life? It's called 'plastic' for a reason, It's only for aesthetics. I call b******t, you're just promoting your stuff.
Gayle Bynum Cardosa 6 years ago
With you 100% on that. The "hospital" photo is so lame. I also suspect that poster "Panagiotis Nikas" is either him or someone connected with him. This is ridiculous.
Load More Replies...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much, Andrew! Means a lot to me!
Load More Replies...
Panagiotis Nikas 6 years ago
Jacob Laukaitis i just downloaded your free book about digital nomads and it is very useful, thank you for sharing it with us! So many good ideas about how to work remotely, propably i will do something of them! Thank you again! (((: Pandas download his book it is awesome!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much - I'm really happy to know that :)
Load More Replies...
Sheila Belo 6 years ago
Where did you get the money to do all of that? Even if you stayed in tents the flights alone are so expensive
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I have a couple of online businesses, meaning I can work from absolutely anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Because remote work allows me not to lose my income, financially speaking, traveling is very similar to staying in one place - you make some money each month and you spend some money each month. You can do this too!
Load More Replies...
Irit Juviler 6 years ago
that's nice... i would do that even without a near death experience, only it requires money...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
If you find ways to earn money remotely, you can work from anywhere, as long as you have your computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Go for it!
Load More Replies...
Rachael Marrast 6 years ago
This would be me now if it were not for bills and my kids having to go to school and the lack of money. So good on ya mate.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I hope you can do this in the future as well!
Load More Replies...
Shruti Naik 6 years ago
This is what I'm gonna do. Someday. When I have enough money to travel the world. For now I'm gonna study.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Go for it! And if you find a remote job, you'll be able to do it indefinitely :)
Load More Replies...
Jennifer Voss 6 years ago
How did you pay for everything? I hope you got some money from the drunk driver, but that would be to good to be true.
MissAnthrop 6 years ago
If only i xould do that but i dont have enough money to travel around the world and also the depression is killing me inside slowly...
Kasia Kozakiewicz 6 years ago
SOOOOOOOOO inspirational <3 I still have few months to go for my own adventure so keep watching those kind of articles to help me go through this time! :D:D Amazing! Sometimes people just need some kind of shock for their eyes to open up!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I work remotely. Here's an explanation of how I manage to do it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVjAE0AQdI4 :)
Load More Replies...
Melody Lanzatella 6 years ago
Its all great! CONGRATS! However, I must say, the deserts of Iran??? That decision was questionable...at best.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
If you work remotely, you'll have the money and the time to do it, trust me :)
Load More Replies...
Miroslava Simeonova 6 years ago
Awesome! Amazing adventure, keep going and thanks for the inspiration! <3
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you for the kind words, Miroslava! Glad you enjoyed my story!
Load More Replies...
A dose of reality... 6 years ago
Great pictures, but I always wonder why people somehow need an "almost-dying-experience"?
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Well... I was traveling for years prior to this near-death experience and even though I really did appreciate my life, when you get so close to death, you just start appreciating everything a lot more. So we don't 'need' that experience per se, but it definitely puts things into perspective - which is really useful :)
Load More Replies...
ะกะธะผะตะพะฝ ะขะพะดะพัะพะฒ 6 years ago
You're absolutely adorable. I can't imagine what you went through, it's great you didn't give up.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much for the kind words - they mean a lot to me!
Load More Replies... JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I work remotely - there's a video about how to do that on my YouTube channel as well if you're interested :)
Load More Replies...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
It's a very touristy place, but super fun at the same time - definitely go visit whenever you have the chance!
Load More Replies...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I can work from anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection, so that's how I can go from place to place without stopping :)
Load More Replies...
Constance A 6 years ago
Wow! Where did you take that picture for South Korea? I'm visiting there in 2 weeks. Would love to be able to see that view and enjoy a corn drink :)
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
That was in this beautiful city called Busan - on top of a hill in the city. Definitely check it out!
Load More Replies...
Captain Planet 6 years ago
Looks awesome. Might I ask what you do for a living? I mean a location independent entrepreneur doesn't really say anything haha.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling (there's a video about that on my YouTube channel too if you're interested), but most people working remotely either have full-time remote jobs or freelance doing software engineering, web design, translations, etc. - it's easier than ever to do it!
Load More Replies... 
Molly Tallmadge 6 years ago
In 2015, my friends mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Due to the low chance of survival, she is now traveling the world and beating the odds! She was expected to die last month as it progressed. But she still lives on. My friend is in Peru with her, and it's so beautiful!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Molly, wow! That mom is SO INSPIRING! I wish her all the best and hope that she keeps living her life on her own terms beating all the odds. Forwarrrd!
Load More Replies... John L 6 years ago
I'm still trying to decide if your companion was a human, or a tripod. Of course the skydiving picture is obvious there.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
It'd either be friends I'd make on the road or a tripod haha!
Load More Replies... Mixedupste 6 years ago
Wow!! Its great you have done all this but how can you afford to do it??
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling. Works out quite well :)
Load More Replies... Johnny ล unรญk 6 years ago
Same here... Last year I was hit by a car and ended up im-mobile for half a year... a big reset both physicaly and mentaly as I re-evaluated all my aims and life goals... after I re-learned how to walk again I am enjoying every step I make more than ever... every step and every day...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Awesome to know that, Johnny! Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - forwarrrd! :)
Load More Replies... Painted Baer 6 years ago
Good for you! I feel the exact same day about life as you ~ always have! I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2001 ~ the good thing about that was friends actually started doing their bucket lists with me! Funny thing is we are all dying, it is the only guarantee we have in life. Life is so amazing...I could live a thousand lifetimes and still never do everything I would like, but I am working on it... ;-)
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Wow, I'm really happy you see everything this way - I'm with you 100%! Let's make the most of our limited time here :)
Load More Replies... SanchaTheSeeker 6 years ago
You are a very inspirational man. You are inspiring others to keep going no matter the obstacle. We are all fighting our own battles whether it is a 10000 word paper or a fight to live, keep going. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!!!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much for your support - it truly means a lot to me! Good luck with that 10,000 word paper - YOU CAN DO IT!
Load More Replies... Beatz Girl (Erica) 6 years ago
This is amazing! One of my favourites quotes is "sometimes something bad has to happen because you can experience the good" and this is an excellent example of that. I'm so glad your accident gave you the opportunity to go on such amazing adventures. It looks like a dream come true!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Working remotely paid for this :)
Load More Replies... PyroarRanger 6 years ago
That's amazing! I bet you could travel to more places in 2018, and experience amazing places and things!
Elizabott 6 years ago
Bad. A*s. Dude. I can't even imagine the endurance power you must have. Come to Canada sometime!!!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I'd love to - it's one of those countries I've wanted to visit for years, hey! :)
Load More Replies... JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
If you find a remote job, you can!
Load More Replies... MayaD 6 years ago
How can a plastic surgery save someones life? It's called 'plastic' for a reason, It's only for aesthetics. I call b******t, you're just promoting your stuff.
Gayle Bynum Cardosa 6 years ago
With you 100% on that. The "hospital" photo is so lame. I also suspect that poster "Panagiotis Nikas" is either him or someone connected with him. This is ridiculous.
Load More Replies... JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much, Andrew! Means a lot to me!
Load More Replies... Panagiotis Nikas 6 years ago
Jacob Laukaitis i just downloaded your free book about digital nomads and it is very useful, thank you for sharing it with us! So many good ideas about how to work remotely, propably i will do something of them! Thank you again! (((: Pandas download his book it is awesome!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much - I'm really happy to know that :)
Load More Replies... Sheila Belo 6 years ago
Where did you get the money to do all of that? Even if you stayed in tents the flights alone are so expensive
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I have a couple of online businesses, meaning I can work from absolutely anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Because remote work allows me not to lose my income, financially speaking, traveling is very similar to staying in one place - you make some money each month and you spend some money each month. You can do this too!
Load More Replies... Irit Juviler 6 years ago
that's nice... i would do that even without a near death experience, only it requires money...
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
If you find ways to earn money remotely, you can work from anywhere, as long as you have your computer and a Wi-Fi connection. Go for it!
Load More Replies... Rachael Marrast 6 years ago
This would be me now if it were not for bills and my kids having to go to school and the lack of money. So good on ya mate.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I hope you can do this in the future as well!
Load More Replies... Shruti Naik 6 years ago
This is what I'm gonna do. Someday. When I have enough money to travel the world. For now I'm gonna study.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Go for it! And if you find a remote job, you'll be able to do it indefinitely :)
Load More Replies... Jennifer Voss 6 years ago
How did you pay for everything? I hope you got some money from the drunk driver, but that would be to good to be true.
MissAnthrop 6 years ago
If only i xould do that but i dont have enough money to travel around the world and also the depression is killing me inside slowly...
Kasia Kozakiewicz 6 years ago
SOOOOOOOOO inspirational <3 I still have few months to go for my own adventure so keep watching those kind of articles to help me go through this time! :D:D Amazing! Sometimes people just need some kind of shock for their eyes to open up!
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I work remotely. Here's an explanation of how I manage to do it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVjAE0AQdI4 :)
Load More Replies... Melody Lanzatella 6 years ago
Its all great! CONGRATS! However, I must say, the deserts of Iran??? That decision was questionable...at best.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
If you work remotely, you'll have the money and the time to do it, trust me :)
Load More Replies... Miroslava Simeonova 6 years ago
Awesome! Amazing adventure, keep going and thanks for the inspiration! <3
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you for the kind words, Miroslava! Glad you enjoyed my story!
Load More Replies... A dose of reality... 6 years ago
Great pictures, but I always wonder why people somehow need an "almost-dying-experience"?
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Well... I was traveling for years prior to this near-death experience and even though I really did appreciate my life, when you get so close to death, you just start appreciating everything a lot more. So we don't 'need' that experience per se, but it definitely puts things into perspective - which is really useful :)
Load More Replies... ะกะธะผะตะพะฝ ะขะพะดะพัะพะฒ 6 years ago
You're absolutely adorable. I can't imagine what you went through, it's great you didn't give up.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you very much for the kind words - they mean a lot to me!
Load More Replies... JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I work remotely - there's a video about how to do that on my YouTube channel as well if you're interested :)
Load More Replies... JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
It's a very touristy place, but super fun at the same time - definitely go visit whenever you have the chance!
Load More Replies... JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I can work from anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection, so that's how I can go from place to place without stopping :)
Load More Replies... Constance A 6 years ago
Wow! Where did you take that picture for South Korea? I'm visiting there in 2 weeks. Would love to be able to see that view and enjoy a corn drink :)
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
That was in this beautiful city called Busan - on top of a hill in the city. Definitely check it out!
Load More Replies... Captain Planet 6 years ago
Looks awesome. Might I ask what you do for a living? I mean a location independent entrepreneur doesn't really say anything haha.
JacobLaukaitis (Post author) 6 years ago
I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling (there's a video about that on my YouTube channel too if you're interested), but most people working remotely either have full-time remote jobs or freelance doing software engineering, web design, translations, etc. - it's easier than ever to do it!
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