Why I disappeared last week...

G'day Friends!

Today's video is a sensitive one and I hope it is not uncomfortable for you to watch. Please excuse my candor in some parts of this video. I find it difficult to talk about these topics even in safe company, so I'm not sure how clear I was in explaining myself - it was just completely raw and unfiltered. Thank you again for your understanding and support this past week. I am so happy to be back and feeling stronger :)

- J

INSTAGRAM: @jameslukeburkecreative

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[betsyzelinger]

I have PTSD from something that happened to me, and I don't talk about it, because I'm ashamed I can't just "think it away." You sharing this gives me hope I can start to open up to people I am close to. So, if it matters, know you just made a difference in one of your fans' life. Thank you.

[artjojo]

I understand perfectly. I have the fear of tornadoes like you experienced with tsunamis. Also experienced PTSD because of trauma I experienced by being hit by a truck while walking across the street. All those feelings are real and terribly hard to work through. When you already have a huge fear of death, it exacerbates all those feelings. I haven’t painted for weeks now and I really need to help myself out of the place I’m in right now by painting. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story and your art❣️❣️❣️.

[PotsOfJoy]

I watched the Tim Burton book inspiration just before this one and commented that I haven't watched you in a while. Just want to pop in on this video and say Bravo James. I have a feeling you found this very cathartic to talk through and publicly. Definitely time for you to reconnect with home, Australia! I love this drawing of blocks and then adding your picture. I am guessing they are Daniel Smith's watercolours. another dream wish! :D PS I have remembered to set the alarm to let me know when you post :D xx

[odrade]

This video is a gift. Brave, touching, so human. YOU are a gift. Thanks for being around and taking such good care of your viewers. When can we subscribe to PlayTest Patreon? Can’t wait !!

[ArtbyBrooke]

I am so glad your video got recommended to me (I think it did so because I recently posted a similarly titled one haha!). I love your style and really appreciate how candid you are here. I can't wait to go back and watch more of what you've done :) Thank you for sharing!

[lisasalmon]

Praying for you James. I’ve been following you for awhile now and do feel like you treat us as if we’re friends. Thank you for sharing.

[BarbOwenDesigns]

Thank you for sharing your heart, your struggles and your art with integrity and honesty. You really are an amazing guy. Sending you healing energy as you continue on your path. I’ve experienced some “life stuff” in the past and can relate to many of your thoughts. Even today (years later) I’m sometimes triggered and get the chance to work my way into an even better place. It’s worth it just to see where I was and where I am now. Creativity has been an immense part of my personal healing process. Wishing you all the best.

[gladwaite]

This was such an HONEST bit of sharing. As a mental health therapist that has worked with people for over 25 years, I can tell you that this message will either have the power to transform, heal or grant permission to others who have struggled with personal challenges for years. Additionally, the sketch was so sweet and also served as a healing visual of one of the fundamental truths of healing which is healing comes from being brave in making a mark towards the version of yourself that you desire the most, even when you're not sure how it will show up. You weren't sure where the blank page was taking you but, you just kept putting one mark after the other on the page and eventually something beautiful emerged. Bless you, bless your healing journey. Our true birthright is that healing is available to all. ❤

[kebishere]

Thank you for this video. I’ve always had anxiety (worry about earthquakes is one of them, I live in western Washington) I appreciate you being open about this.

[turtle]

You're amazing! I found myself nodding about everything you were saying. I struggle with my PTSD and anxiety so much sometimes that the only thing that helps is to draw or paint...it calms me. I was struck by a car several years ago. The driver was texting and ran a red light. My spine was fractured in 6 places and required a lot of surgery and learning to walk again. I thought I was fine. I was a dancer and you know better than most...we dance through the pain. Suddenly, driving in traffic, or stopping at a red light, even loud noises and my heart would race.... and the nausea would hit. The fear was overwhelming. I kept it to myself tor a while but my family caught on and got me help. My life is just different now, but not worse. I also found myself watching youtube. I started watching you art journaling and then I learned how to watercolor. Thank you for sharing your story and for all the encouraging, inspirating posts.

[seemownay]

Thank you for the video! I hope you are making progress! Lots of love!

[neldaflores]

Thank you for being so real with us. I need to do better about talking about my own issues in order to hopefully help someone else. Hearing your story helps me through mine. Plus I love watching you be creative. Have a wonderful week! <3

[darlenesmith]

I was born and raised in California but moved to Colorado 20 yrs ago, I'm feel the same way every time I visit home. I get a little anxious before the trip thinking about earthquakes especially when visiting near the ocean. Take care of yourself, James and thanks for sharing.

[LoveLife-yxno]

Thank you for sharing. I love watching all your videos.

[moonlightcabin]

PTSD and panic disorder is, unfortunately, so common nowadays (I myself suffer from both), but by the same token, it can feel so very isolating to experience. Thank you for opening up and sharing such a vulnerable part of yourself, it takes a lot of bravery to do that on a public platform but I'm so happy to hear you're doing much better and are taking things one day at a time <3 much love!

[thetrulyclaire]

Your RENDR review is what brought me to your channel and I subscribed because of your other content and because of your consistency (very much appreciate you being so aware of your audience). Please don't ever feel bad about something you did well even if you think it wasn't so special at the time.

[victorynichols]

James, you wonderful, brave man! Thank you for sharing your story. So many of us have triggers, and frankly, I appreciate being reminded that we're not alone in going through our personal crap. Oddly, my life has been full of triggers lately, too, so you're not alone either. I'm so proud of you and your hard work and courage. Love you always!!! 😘😘😘

[tjwatkins]

Besides your art, I enjoy how open you can be about yourself and I really appreciate you sharing about your ptsd. There are so many people that suffer with that issue - cell-memories from traumatic experiences can really put up blocks that can be so difficult to get past. It's impressive how you are actively working on your healing and I do agree with you that the adversary uses our weakness against us. Hugs to you, Steve and your fur-babies. (Just in case anyone out there is interested, I want to suggest youtube videos by Brad Yates on EFT. Amazing technique! )

[cynthiasandra]

Nederlands : bedankt voor het delen. ik zat al te wachten op een nieuwe upload van je en vond het al erg lang duren, nu begrijp ik waarom . zelf heb ik nog nooit een aardbeving meegemaakt dat lijkt me heel intens eng idd .. ik mag zo graag naar je video's kijken en naar je luisteren ik begin er meestal de ochtend mee voor de drukte van de dag en soms zoals nu eind van een klusdag voor mij ..het begin van jouwn verwerking is er je bent goed bezig en zo fijn dat je zo open bent . als je deze tekst ooit vertaald hahah ..het gaat je goed ik blijf je volgen en je bent sterker dan je denkt james..

[kindmeanbristol]

here's to silver linings Xx thanks for sharing & big love...