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After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life
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After Almost Losing My Life In 2016, I Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year Of My Life

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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!

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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

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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”

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Couldn’t believe my eyes witnessing sunsets like this

Took some of ’em touristy pictures in Hobbiton

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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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mollytallmadge avatar
Molly Tallmadge
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
jlk103144 avatar
John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm still trying to decide if your companion was a human, or a tripod. Of course the skydiving picture is obvious there.

mixedupste_1 avatar
Mixedupste
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!! Its great you have done all this but how can you afford to do it??

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling. Works out quite well :)

Load More Replies...
blejdik avatar
Johnny Šuník
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome to know that, Johnny! Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - forwarrrd! :)

Load More Replies...
paintedbaer_1 avatar
Painted Baer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
sanchafung avatar
SanchaTheSeeker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
beatzgirlerica avatar
Beatz Girl (Erica)
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

elizabethpayne avatar
Elizabott
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad. A*s. Dude. I can't even imagine the endurance power you must have. Come to Canada sometime!!!

maya-dubrowska avatar
MayaD
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Gayle Bynum Cardosa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
nikas_panagiotis avatar
Panagiotis Nikas
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

sheilabelo avatar
Sheila Belo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where did you get the money to do all of that? Even if you stayed in tents the flights alone are so expensive

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
iritjuviler avatar
Irit Juviler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's nice... i would do that even without a near death experience, only it requires money...

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
bumper98 avatar
Rachael Marrast
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

shrutinaik797 avatar
Shruti Naik
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what I'm gonna do. Someday. When I have enough money to travel the world. For now I'm gonna study.

jennyppi avatar
Jennifer Voss
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

coffeefreakx avatar
MissAnthrop
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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-afro avatar
Kasia Kozakiewicz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

allenscottldtke avatar
A dose of reality...
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great pictures, but I always wonder why people somehow need an "almost-dying-experience"?

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
iblowsheep avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
jjb avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a very touristy place, but super fun at the same time - definitely go visit whenever you have the chance!

Load More Replies...
zen55q avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
mangoyum01 avatar
Constance A
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was in this beautiful city called Busan - on top of a hill in the city. Definitely check it out!

Load More Replies...
reclameshit20152016 avatar
Captain Planet
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks awesome. Might I ask what you do for a living? I mean a location independent entrepreneur doesn't really say anything haha.

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
mollytallmadge avatar
Molly Tallmadge
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
jlk103144 avatar
John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm still trying to decide if your companion was a human, or a tripod. Of course the skydiving picture is obvious there.

mixedupste_1 avatar
Mixedupste
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!! Its great you have done all this but how can you afford to do it??

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a couple of online businesses that I work on while traveling. Works out quite well :)

Load More Replies...
blejdik avatar
Johnny Šuník
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome to know that, Johnny! Whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger - forwarrrd! :)

Load More Replies...
paintedbaer_1 avatar
Painted Baer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
sanchafung avatar
SanchaTheSeeker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
beatzgirlerica avatar
Beatz Girl (Erica)
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

elizabethpayne avatar
Elizabott
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad. A*s. Dude. I can't even imagine the endurance power you must have. Come to Canada sometime!!!

maya-dubrowska avatar
MayaD
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Gayle Bynum Cardosa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
nikas_panagiotis avatar
Panagiotis Nikas
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

sheilabelo avatar
Sheila Belo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where did you get the money to do all of that? Even if you stayed in tents the flights alone are so expensive

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
iritjuviler avatar
Irit Juviler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's nice... i would do that even without a near death experience, only it requires money...

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
bumper98 avatar
Rachael Marrast
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

shrutinaik797 avatar
Shruti Naik
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what I'm gonna do. Someday. When I have enough money to travel the world. For now I'm gonna study.

jennyppi avatar
Jennifer Voss
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

coffeefreakx avatar
MissAnthrop
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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-afro avatar
Kasia Kozakiewicz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

allenscottldtke avatar
A dose of reality...
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great pictures, but I always wonder why people somehow need an "almost-dying-experience"?

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
iblowsheep avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
jjb avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a very touristy place, but super fun at the same time - definitely go visit whenever you have the chance!

Load More Replies...
zen55q avatar
jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
mangoyum01 avatar
Constance A
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was in this beautiful city called Busan - on top of a hill in the city. Definitely check it out!

Load More Replies...
reclameshit20152016 avatar
Captain Planet
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks awesome. Might I ask what you do for a living? I mean a location independent entrepreneur doesn't really say anything haha.

jacoblaukaitis avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...
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