After Near-Death Experience, This Guy Made Sure 2017 Was The Best Year of His Life

By
Pie
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Image via jacoblaukaitis/Instagram

Jacob Laukaitis was hit by a drunk driver in Thailand at the end of 2016. He went through a 4-hour long plastic surgery that cost over $10,000, which eventually saved his life.

During that moment, he realized how short and wonderful life was and that he should live every single day of his life as if it was his last and be happy with everything because “whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” he said.

After his recovery, he decided to make 2017 the best year of his life. Check out his amazing journey, travelling around the world.

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It's kind of surreal that just over 10 days ago I had a dislocated and fractured cheek-bone and could hardly open my eyes, whereas right now I'm completely healthy apart from a few bruises and funny-looking eyes. I want to thank everyone who supported me during this time. Your messages and comments really did mean a lot to me. Thank you. Also, even though I was very happy that my insurance company eventually agreed to pay the $9,850 that I had paid at the hospital, my main take-away from the whole situation was that life can literally end at any moment and thus I have to cherish every single second of it. I couldn't be happier about the whole situation and I literally can't stop smiling. Every day feels like a miracle. I want to end with one of the best quotes ever, by Mae West: "You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough". I simply couldn't agree more. Yes!

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This year I traveled to over 20 different countries, motorbiked thousands of kilometers, spent a week in North Korea, walked 860 kilometers across Spain, almost got killed by a drunk driver in Thailand, spent 5 days flying 18,000 kilometers across 5 countries and 3 continents… all the while keeping up with work. I'm grateful for everything that's happened to me this year and I'm even more grateful that I'm still alive. I cherish every single second of my life and never take anything for granted. This year I'll continue traveling and working at the same time. I will also be publishing a lot more travel videos in the hopes that they will inspire others to travel more. Because life's too short not to explore the world we live in! Happy #2017 and remember… You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough. My warmest greetings from #Bali!

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Landed in Indonesia! Anyone's around? 🙉

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Layovers in #Thailand never disappoint 🔥

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I like palm trees 🌴

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