How my art saved me after I lost everything

[@susandrennan2574]

My daughter passed away and I didn't want to paint anymore. The world became an ugly place. Thanks to a dear artist friend who was studying art therapy invited me to paint I said no. She said come for coffee. I said ok. When I got there, she had an empty canvas on an easel, a palette all ready with paint, brushes and a photo of children tacked to the easel, and a cup of coffee. I told her, I said I didn't want to paint. She said I will be painting and we can just talk. As I watched her paint and didn't say much, I started picking up the brush and I painted. The floodgates opened up and I spilled out as she comforted me. Ever since that moment, I went back to painting. I am so thankful to her. I had been doing art since I was very young where would I be without it. Artist is who I am.

[@tharwatoday4480]

I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m sending you the tightest hug.

[@Tawadeb]

I'm sorry that's so awful. However glad your back flowing in Art. Xx

[@redinabloogs8477]

I am sorry for ur loss and Sooo grateful for you that you have a wonderful Friend 🧡..sending u healing love and creativity energy ..Eternally may it last. TC 🙂

[@vynedvyne59]

❤

[@PatriseHenkel]

6 months ago I was facing homelessness and incapable of working much less artmaking. When I moved I had to pitch years and years of work, journals, paintings, works on paper from grad school, I just couldnt manage my life. A friend let me move in, in another, quieter town, in the eastern mountains, and I began to heal. I;ve accepted that I've lost most of my mobility, but I can afford life now, if I keep it modest. and the art has been coming to me and thru me and now it is my highest priority. I may never see another dime from my work. But it's moving, flowing in a way that has rarely been possible for me. Your example is so moving, and your ongoing guidance is greatly valued, thank you so much for all you share.

[@PhilAlumb]

Your life story is important to share.

[@MariaWalker-qo3vi]

I sure pray your life is abundantly blessed dear one. ❤

[@김정림-p4e]

영어를 잘못해서 한국말로 하겠어요 예술과 일상의삶을 병행하기는 참으로 어렵습니다 저도 미술을 전공했지만 작업할수있는 여유없이 돈을벌기위해 일하고있지요 ㆍ그러나 희망을 느끼는건 그림을 생각할때이더군요 ㆍ 그림에 조 금씩 자신의 삶을 투영시키는 노력을 해봅시다

[@funkymonkey8777]

❤❤❤

[@gifthorse9779]

Thank you for sharing. I have a similar situation and what you write gives me hope. So glad you seem to have found flow!!

[@jhb61249]

Yes Nick, I perfectly understand. I took suffered loss of everything, not once but three times. I had multiple careers, research biologist, teacher/professor, interior designer/architect, etc, and was reasonably successful, but life happened. At the top of my game, 2 weeks after passing a health physical, I was given 3 months to live due to side effects of medication. I was 60 years old and all alone. 14 months later I awoke from a semi comma state and began to draw and paint. It's been 10 years and like you, art has saved my life to date. Thanks for sharing and best of life to you. Jim

[@mysecretsketchbook865]

James Brewer so proud of you. Even thou i am not your real mother. Always keep being inspired great designer create create create. Peace out from England.

[@jhb61249]

@@mysecretsketchbook865 thanks much "mom"!!!!

[@mbuck7822]

God bless you and thank you for sharing!!

[@jtswan007]

Wow... just love that you did that

[@gifthorse9779]

Thx for sharing. So inspiring. I’m suffering and looking to resolve things through art

[@SharonCummings-e6u]

I suffered a mental break down after my parents and my son passing away. They say death happens in threes, well I lost so much within a year. My other son had to move in with me and take care of me. He has encouraged me to draw and paint to pass the time. I took your workshop and learned so much not everything has to look real to be real. Thank you so much for helping me restart my life.

[@Gabrielafitnessmudrayoga]

I lost my ex-husband to suicide 3 months ago, we have 3 kids and were good friends. I feel devastated. And joined your free workshop 3 days ago. Thank you

[@angiedavey1195]

My life is crashing, lost my job, people in my family are dying and I find myself creating some of my best Art as it's all I have left... Thank you for sharing, I'm going to try and progress as you did. You're an inspiration 💙

[@marypera7455]

I am 80 years old and Art has carried me through every rough time in my life. I thank God for it every day. Will you please share your poem with us on line. It meant so much.

[@christineb6663]

I’m 3 years late to the party here and I almost *never* comment on videos. But. In 2016 I lost everything when I found out I’d been together for 8 years with a con artist. Then I lost my health, my mental health and a significant amount of my normal brain function because of other concurrent calamities. Fortunately 2 years ago a friend started paying for me to see an art therapist and it is saving me. I cried watching this. Your videos have really helped me. And this one I stumbled across really moved me. Thank you for your work and vulnerability.

[@carlaeskelsen]

I see you. 🙏🏻

[@jacquieddison7834]

“Art is a way back to yourself” this is such a powerful statement. Thank you for being so vulnerable. You are amazing

[@artificialdreamer]

I dunno who you are. But this is the most magical, cosmic, you-tube algorithm, sync Ever! I am SO grateful. Thank You 🙏💫

[@ielujskliw]

Things don’t happen to us, rather for us - the hardest things often propel us to where we are actually meant to be ❤

[@glenpos]

Nic, you touched my heart with your story. I started art in my mid 50s after walking out of a 30 yr very abusive marriage. I studied art but to be honest I have learnt so much more from you than at Art School. You are such a generous gifted person and I thank you for sharing your story. 💜🙏💜. I'm 73 now and am trying to find my niche. Currently I'm playing (seriously) in abstract thanks to you and am feeling so much freer in this style. 💙

[@gifthorse9779]

Yes! Abstract is freedom

[@madmusette]

I can't thank you enough for your honesty and vulnerability, Nicholas. I am so glad I stumbled upon this, just before taking your course this Feb. '22. It is so weird, life. We are basically taught to lie about who we really are most of our life, and then when someone is brave enough to tell their truth, it is like finding water after trudging through an endless desert. It is such a relief. I have no more words than that, except thank you again. :

[@daniesza]

This same thing happened to me in 2001 in Argentina and then again when I moved back to the US in 2007. I lost my savings , my job, my personal relationship.... twice, wiped out. I went through this very feeling of being lost. And you are lucky to have your art . I’m now starting finally my art and it is saving me too.

[@AskPiaAkashic]

I hope you are doing well now. Thriving not surviving. I too have experienced it. Some people just cannot believe it and think I must be inherently flawed (as if it could never happen to them). I searched for my lessons in it all and just kept thanking a higher power because I knew there must be something just for me. Take care. Be well.

[@andrearicks3051]

Wow! You're amazing and resilient, even though you never wanted to be in the situations, to have to be. I hope that 4 years later, art is continuing to be a healing refuge for you!!

[@purelovepaintings5075]

i was in a funk, and felt like i lost everything, i haven't painted for awhile. and i found your video. it was very moving. you have inspired me to follow my heart. you made me smile.

[@patscott5006]

I met some of the artists from The Irish Palette yesterday who participated in the Art2life course. Listening to their stories gave me goosebumps. I really want to do this Art2life. I've no academic background, but I have passion ❤

[@DonnaWeinstein]

Nick, your show of vulnerability is incredible.

[@DeirdreJ_AutomationArchitect]

I got chills at the part where you said the universe just kept taking things away until you realized this was the path you were being pushed to. I constantly feel that ‘being pushed’ feeling through things breaking away. You nailed it. We need to listen to our hearts and gut more. Does this thing you’re doing bring you joy? Do you feel fulfilled? Could you do it for hours...getting lost in the ‘work’? This is how I feel I’m being Guided. Great video. Thank you so much fo sharing your story. 🤗

[@taramedrano16]

Thank You Nick… still fighting to keep my home from a squatter putting us into foreclosure since 2014, I lost my interest and desire to do art. I am now trying to climb out of that ditch. I thank you sincerely for sharing your story and gracious wisdom. You are WONDERFUL!!!!❤

[@vickinelson9724]

Thank you for your story. Your successful efforts to return to and build upon your artistic talents truly impressed me. I am 83, and majored in art at University, probably about 40 years ago, where we we pretty much left to do our own thing. I loved it. It totally relaxed me, but when I returned home, too much life got in my way, & I never really got back to submersing myself in it. I'm totally enjoying your sessions, and now that I'm retired from teaching (for 16 years!) I will see what I can create. Thank you! You are doing a fantastic job.

[@fialta1608]

I 'm so glad I just came across this video of yours again. This story never gets old. I especially need it right now. I am at a cross roads as well as a situation where I need to go back to a job I have outgrown (by years!) or make something new happen fast. I am sort of retired! I only have my art. That is all I can think of doing but I haven't managed to get it our there properly. I am taking your free workshop '24, right now, and getting bolstered by the massive and wonderful community you have created! Thank you sincerely. I don't think it's an accident I randomly crossed this message again:)

[@alihammoud6705]

Hi nick, I’m really touched by your story and I can really relate to you. I lost my wife to cancer and she was my life in 2015 and I thought I lost my life or I could never be the same again. Like you my art helped me get over this lost. And one thing I learned after is after losing my wife nothing else really mattered. Sorry I just wanted to share my pain. Thanks 🙏

[@Art2Life]

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm so sorry for your loss and thankful art was there to help you through.

[@NancyElliott-lq5ie]

I am sorry for you loss and glad you are learning how to reinvest in life thru your art@@Art2Life

[@Tawadeb]

Hugs to you x

[@sternits]

I’m not an artist but I am a teacher and a person so I totally understand what you went through and go through. I take a Biblical view. God touched you with a passion for art and a passion for people. Now you are creating a supportive community based on sharing the gifts God gave people rather than pursuing the world. Thank you for sharing yourself and your art. ❤️

[@christinakyle4904]

I can totally relate to what you spoke about and have experienced Nick. It shows real courage to express that here. For me too life has been so hard in the last few years and has pushed me to the point where I have had to face myself and my art. I've tried so many things and nothing has ever come to any real fruition and I think all of it is to get me to this point now of having to face my art. So I am grateful to be at this point now where I am actually taking it seriously and investing in myself and my art through your program. It already has been incredibly valuable to know I am not alone and there are others in the community having the same or having had similar experiences.

[@tenalaffey6363]

The Lord has truly blessed you. Thank you for being a blessing and sharing your gift. I am learning so much from your videos. Thanks for the vote of confidence. ❤️

[@bevquinn4355]

I’m fortunate to have gone through divorce and starting over long time ago. Now happily retired I’ve become physically limited but my home art studio is an escape from that and find new directions in which to paint. I’m in awe of your survival story and good heart

[@carab6857]

Thank you for sharing this, I needed to hear so much of this. Especially that art will bring me back to me. I’m on the other end of the financial spectrum, I never had money, so I can’t imagine losing so much. I lost my home a few years ago, through no fault of my own, and it showed me how strong I can be, because it was down to me to provide for my children. I am a mother, a caregiver, so I totally understand and I don’t really have the first clue how to give myself the same care I give to others. Art is something that I’ve always wanted to do, I would sketch as a child and teenager, I did a few things when I was a little older but I was so depressed, and was so controlled, in a mentally abusive relationship and I didn’t even know who I was any more. When the ex and the house went I started to find myself, but it’s taken a further 12 years to finally start taking control of my life and where I want to go. I was in relationship with a good man, but the Covid situation forced me to face a lot of truths. Then I started an art course, broke up with my man and I’m finally starting to find me. I know what I want from life, I’m doing things to try to help further my plans. I have very little money and I am looking for work so we can survive while I create. And one day I will join you on the CVP course, it will happen, I have no idea how, but the universe will make it a reality, of that I am certain. In the meantime, thank you for sharing all that you do, and for helping us so much.

[@sheindyone]

It's like you're describing my life ....

[@karendowie2741]

I like the way you talk, you seem so natural and honest I feel encouraged by your words. Thank you for sharing.

[@erica73730]

I’m so happy you found your way back to art from a dark place… I’m trusting I can do the same. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@jwstouter]

You really touched me, you the caregiver to everyone went through hell and with Art learned to care for yourself , bravo

[@Someoneoutthere67]

What an awesome poem to bring a person back to center when they’ve been through so many struggles. Knowing they are never ever alone ever they always have themselves.

[@arlenepeavoy8648]

I have felt desperately very broken down for a couple of years too, and the only place I found peace was when I had a brush in my hand. Thanks Nick, you’re honestly is so powerful

[@janethammerton5188]

I am at the beginning of a journey back to my art. You are really helping with this sharing.

[@BarbaraEMarshallCampbell]

This Art2Life Acrylic Painting Workshop seemed to show up just when I was thinking "I'm too old to paint for a living, I'm not good enough, I didn't know who to get lessons from, but I really wanted to get better for myself and also watching what person .

[@KathleenPitts-p6z]

Your bittersweet life story is so inspiring and real…. So glad you found yourself and your art. I know art has saved me from myself. Best to you…

[@foxdenham]

Thanks dude. As an old, 'bought the t-shirt' man, I feel very encouraged and reminded of the beauty that rises from the ashes of our brokenness. Keep being you my friend.☺✌🧡

[@robertwebber8672]

Very moving! in 2017 I became quite ill. Spent days weeks months in bed propped up on a pile of pillows. Looking at pictures on the wall helped. Not my pictures, but over the years I had bought lots including Alice Sheridan. I then remembered painting from my 20's and thought I would try again. I decided on abstract. What I do is I am sure rubbish. But looking at what I had done the day before was what got me out of bed. I am a lot better now but I am sure that well along side pills and surgery art is a major part of my recovery. Hence doing cvp this year. Best R

[@Art2Life]

Robert Webber so happy to have you join CVP! See you soon!

[@rachelanne5060]

Robert I’m so glad you’ve healed and shared. Art literally saved my life, physically and spiritually, this all resonates. 🌸

[@christinedeasey4565]

@@Art2Life cvp

[@susieryan7827]

I can't take your class though I would love to. I'm 75 and have stacks of drawings and paintings I have done in snatches throughout the years. But now I'm down to the wire but have uninterrupted time now to create. Your class came along at the perfect time and it has been fantastic! You have given me strength and clarity...and so much more. Thank you.

[@alpakka1920]

That’s fantastic that you have time now to create! Wish you all the best and just keep going! 😀

[@a705fay]

I was a potter and painter til ten years ago when my husband became mentally ill and killed himself. It was ten years this March and I have started watching your channel, I feel that I may turn a corner this year. I haven't picked up a paint brush yet, but I keep wanting to, so that is something... I feel so stupid as I have a massive art studio and a massive pottery (five wheels) and here I am clattering around doing nothing.

[@andrearicks3051]

Hi Fellow Artist, How are you doing now? I hope you are now using art to help you heal and to bring yourself comfort. If not yet, maybe start today.

[@judyhnat9207]

Once I had a therapist who said to me: take out one piece of paper. That's where you will begin.

[@janetmcnish-counsellor3712]

Thank you for your transparency. Your experience has encouraged me to continue to develop my art. Painting and drawing are always grounding for me and it feels nourishing for me and others tend to enjoy my work - when I actually share it.

[@clarec3]

Oh wow, Nicholas, your story is incredibly inspirational. Can't thank you enough for sharing this with us.

[@reneedla]

Thank you. I have gone through a traumatic divorce after 35 years of marriage. I am slowly coming back to my art after such a major disruption of life. Hearing your story is inspiring and makes me determined to grow strong through my own art. Thank you!

[@twangel46]

We lost everything to a fire 10 weeks ago,i have about eight pantings left because our daughter and son have them. I am 73 that was at least 60 years worth if drawings and paintingsx hundreds, as it happens also lost all our clothes, tools about 1000 books many 70 years old. Two guitars three handwritten books, all my jewellery electronic piano, macbook ipad all contacts iphone, money cards id card medical card many sentimental things, and finally three cats and two dogs. If it wasnt for our daughter helping we would be homeless. I dont know if I can ever paint again.

[@andreamuller8468]

♡

[@andrearicks3051]

Wow, that's such a horrible amount of loss... How are you doing now? I hope that Art is helping you to heal!

[@Marti_Lay]

My life is crashing, gave up job early (not much retirement $) and move abroad and marriage dissolving which affects everything. Letting go and loss. Art is all I have . Thanks for telling your story and showing there is a way through. Art reminds me to follow my gut/intution, to pivot, to pay attention- it helps bring me back to me.

[@judyhnat9207]

"helps bring me back to me" THIS

[@marshacarrington5001]

I relate to your story so much. I had a creative business for 10 years that fell apart in 2009 and there was so much financial stress my marriage almost fell apart too. Thankfully we made it through. Long story short, after living in LA for 30 years after art school, and working commercially for a long time creatively, we ended up in a small town in Ohio to help family. At first it was total culture shock, but I have finally found myself feeling happy here and feeling more creative than ever. I am finally starting to do mostly my fine art which is something I have wanted to do for so long. I found your site a few months ago and it has been so helpful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@xxxxxxxxxx-x5q]

Oh my God, I don't think I would have survived. God bless you.

[@suemiller7937]

That was brave. I could sense your pain. Thank you so much for sharing such an intimate experience.

[@Art2Life]

Sue Groves thanks Sue

[@ingridphillip5367]

I never called myself a painter. But I love abstract painting so I started and I’m very excited 💕🌻

[@lauragiacani489]

Thank you for being so open.. I hear you ❤️

[@funnydogmom]

This was a GREAT share! I'm sorry you went through all of that, but then again, I'm glad.

[@Sheila.F]

WOW! I'm tearing up; I don't know if I'm happy for the outcome of your struggles or sad that you had to go through that but one thing is for sure; I am super grateful to you. Thank you for sharing, and That poem is powerful.

[@Art2Life]

Sheila Fuseini thanks so much

[@AJ-oc5eh]

your story emphasizes something thats so apparent to those of us who are amateur artists but have had careers in finance. Artists need to spend a bit of time learning about home finance, legal matters etc. Would save so many artists and help them grow their business

[@marthavalenta]

Wow! Thank you for being so authentic. My husband and I (both artists) find your videos and community to be the best place for us to spend our relaxation time.

[@Art2Life]

martha valenta Love that so much - what an honor.

[@ronnie-livingacolorfullife]

Wow, now THAT’S a story. Art has always been my soft place to fall. Glad you are on the other side and sharing so much.

[@merryjones8812]

I feel so blessed to have found this. I am amazed by how honest and straight forward you are. I want to learn about making art and it seems I am finding so much more!!!💖💖💖

[@CaroleMora22]

Thanks so much for sharing your personal story as well as Walcott's wonderful poem, goosebumps.

[@zmerka1]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I too have lost everytthing in 2020. I don't still don't know how much I will get back but it's that loss of the life I planed that brought me to art.

[@lauriemartzart]

Wow. In this corona virus time to hear your story now is awesome. Inspiring, honest, tender, and i am so grateful Tao hear it, to feel it, and think that this story resonates with so many especially in these times. Thank you Nick.

[@jgrasamke]

Thank you for sharing not only your art, but, your heart. It really hit home for me. I appreciate you

[@raniolson]

I love this so much thank you for sharing this. I’m crying. I found your videos accidentally about painting and then came to this. The best. Thank you for sharing you!!!

[@ritazita1111]

Thank you for sharing about your own loss....most of us do have big losses in our lives at some point. I lost my only son 5 years ago. I couldn't paint for awhile. But this year I have a new determination to focus more. i have a fabulous 2200 sqft studio in Redwood City. It looks like a raw NYC loft...very cool. So I really should be utilizing it more. I'd like to have movie nights and Salons, music events even. Perhaps that will happen in 2020, I am open for it to be used for classes for other artists who want a site on the Peninsula. Another amazing thing that happened to me thru my art making is that I was able to cure myself of a 20 year history of migraine headaches. Priceless.

[@Art2Life]

rita zita thank you for sharing!

[@elenarogers5311]

How sad to have lost your son but his spirit is still with you. You are so privileged to have studio space. I iive in Italy and it seems like Science fiction to be able to afford a studio so count your blessings and move forward with joy. You will meet up with your son again.

[@kaalmansur]

What a wonderful human being

[@CH.2024.]

THIS is beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@maijajunno443]

Thanks, this was really inspiring - greetings from Finland! :)

[@Someoneoutthere67]

You definitely help a lot of people, I thank you so very much for what you do and telling us your story.

[@Starstudded1000]

Thank you for sharing your life’s lessons and heartbreak that turned to heart opening back to yourself and your art. ♥️ I needed to hear this today. Bless you Nick 🥰

[@dotanderson9184]

Thank you for sharing your story. Many blessings to you within your brilliant light.

[@jacsfalconer1929]

So glad I caught this video. Life has been challenging for a while now. However. I have invested in a studio and I'm working through my perceived limitations. Big thanks for this piece / peace.

[@ancamarr681]

Nick, it takes courage to be vulnerable! You opened up to us and we can all relate to pain and rebirth from it. My life fell apart three years ago through the loss of my marriage (after 23 years and a 26 year relationship) and the break up of a family which I idolized. I had to work on myself and rediscover who I was. I had to reinvent myself. I was always dreaming of painting and possible becoming an artist. I have a creative side. I designed jewelry for about 9 years and enjoyed it a lot. I started painting and love it. It is my wish to continue to express myself through it. Color makes me alive. Thank you for sharing your story! Much love and light to you and everyone in this lovely community.

[@Divinemessages69]

Your story brought me to tears literally! I feel your pain, I applaud your determination and yes, the universe has a habit of moving us forward to where we need to be. I had a similar upheaval in my life 7 years ago, but I lost my partner and both my parents within 11 months, and had to move to the other end of the UK to bear near my sister. This is where I need to be, and my artwork is expanding, I have always used oils and done representational realism in portraits or landscape, but now discovering I am working towards abstract and mixed media, and feeling more free, I also know I am being guided towards this new way of expression in art. Thank you so much for speaking your truth, staying true to ourselves and following our guidance is the only way through tough times. Well done you!

[@marilyndupreez-s8p]

Last night when i was feeling so low about my circumstances, I saw your video .it helped me so much , hearing your story . Im rockbottom currently lost car, home, and cant make rent this month, and so all i have left is my art. Next few days will reveal my path its like that. Amidst all these problems I worked on one painting this month, and was shocked to see the result and that maybe just maybe I can do this. I paint because i feel thats all I have left, and the thought ocurred to me that its perhaps precisely what Universe wants me to do .. take everything away.. just like you described in your story.. thank you for sharing your experience , it made me feel less alone .

[@nataliaperry56]

H i, how you now, Marilyn? Im just doing online course wth Nicolas, listened to his story, reading the comments... My husband had been in that situation, almost twice, lost money, houses... only some friends and me left for him. I know how hard it is. My heart with you, and others. The song of Michael Bolton "I am back on my feet again" is the most touchy song for us even now. I hope you ok.

[@marilyndupreez-s8p]

@@nataliaperry56 Hi Natalia, Im so much better now,thks for asking. 🙌 . Other avenues are opening slowly and I might move to another country soon. This Covid beast really has changed our lives. Losses involved, yet new hope and new ways of doing life.

[@nataliaperry56]

@@marilyndupreez-s8p there are always alternative ways, sometimes not easy to see. Wishing you all the best.

[@suedonaldson2443]

Thank you, Nick.

[@soulsearcher4truth303]

Thank you for sharing such a powerful touching story. I think this is so important. I have learned so much from your teaching and sharing. Becoming more brave, thank you.

[@Art2Life]

Michele Holden excited for you!

[@denisegrossman3840]

I appreciate your transparency, needed to hear this! Thank you, Blessings!

[@debra3465]

Thank you! I needed to hear your words today. I'm working my way back after losing everything and abandoning myself, the artist. You are a light in the world , keep on shinning!

[@MsMonika59]

Nick your such a good human being. I love your honesty. You are simply amazing 🥰 Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺😘

[@ltwig476]

Thanks for sharing Nick. Our savings got hit hard in the Dot Com bust. Our relationship survived but only if we never invest into the market again. (her law) I had to do massive construction work to regain some minimal retirement future. My art perspective went to nothing. Went to graphic design school, thinking that would get me going. Was great at illustration and sucked at everything else. Hated advertisement. Stayed lost for 25 years. Then we both retired and shortly after she past away. I'm like holy shit! what now? I slowly started picking the brushes back up, still lost. One day I decided to paint something for a very nice giving couple and I popped back in. Giving and helping others is what makes us whole again. Thanks for helping others Nick!

[@nataliavalentina2341]

Wow! You inspire me so much. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life story. I admire you!

[@melissaflores1497]

When I am painting is when I most feel like myself, but when I look at it , the finished piece I frequently do not like it or think it is " good enough". I am working on my self so hard and get so dicouraged when i do not likemy art or feel that feeling wim seeking while working on my art.

[@sondradawn_art_]

Wow loved your story about yourself. So true we all have hurts and stories to tell and art is the main therapy that saved me. I am now teaching to disadvantaged students and passing on my knowledge to them. The universe makes it so easy if we are on the right path. Thankyou for your free lessons they have helped me gain clarification and direction again. Looking forward to joining the community.

[@fernspears1116]

Your willingness to be so vulnerable is humbling. I am so happy that you were able to rise above the hard times you went through.

[@djo-dji6018]

He's not being vulnerable, he's getting stronger through suffering.

[@anyatad5545]

I often pray for God to show me where to look. I came upon this video today and it was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.

[@bufboston1]

You give off a really beautiful energy. Thanks for your videos.

[@131dyana]

Thank you for telling us about you. i am a care giver also. I now make greeting cards and have a bedroom made into a studio. I am painting more also.

[@sukanyaramakrishna668]

Thank you Nick for sharing your story. Sorry that you had to go through and glad to see your success and helping so many on this journey. I keep going back to this video when I need inspiration ❤

[@summerlove6787]

😢❤ My heart goes out to you. To feel guilt for something that wasn't your fault at all. :( I'm so sorry to hear about your experience & pain, i send you healing prayers love light joy peace laughter prosperity. ❤❤❤

[@thekarifrenchstudio5948]

Your story had me in tears ..so glad I watched this! I have been living the life others require and am only now attempting to be the artist I feel called to be. Your video gives me hope ..thank you!

[@sisabartley8798]

*REPLAY - Hi Nick, just got to listen to your story about regaining you confidence. Thank you for sharing - it's so important to share and to hear. I am working to stay married and yet disentangle and I have had to look and dig deep and deal with him uncomfortable it is to see how willingly I give up my autonomy to feel safe. I will, if the universe allows, join next year and go through your program. I need more community. Moving to the UK has been both goo and bad but became a great opportunity for me to change. I am so over committed now teaching and leading others. Building a website and painting. Taking a great online marriage counselling course with the Gottman Institution in California which has help us build a road back to each other in a healthy way. I hope that by unscrewing I will stay connected because I learned so much from your generosity. So thank you again. Sisa

[@sisabartley8798]

Yikes...auto correct always has me saying such cooky stuff.. so change "him" to 'me or my" I take full responsibility for where I am and what I need to do; and change "unscrewing" to "subscribing to you feed". Lol Sisa

[@learningchannel3561]

Very relatable, thanks Nick! Have had similar Lost Everything Time - taking years to find my true self again. In CVP now, Top 5 best things I've ever done!

[@Minimus44]

Thank you so much for this inspiring message. I have also been the caretaker and trying to move that care over to myself now and it’s always a struggle. My resistance to self joy has been a stumbling block and I have wanted to paint my whole life so thank you for opening this up again to me

[@sharonwnetrzak5197]

INCREDIBLE STORY!!!!! YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THAT POWERFUL STORY!!!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING, NICK!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!!!!!!! 🙏💗🙏

[@deboralevyart]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are an incredible human being and incredible teacher, I love your videos. I have many years paintings and your comments are super helpful and new for me. We artist never stop learning . Thank you ! And the best luck for you

[@topchic7475]

Necessity is the mother of invention!

[@cmphillips-x5s]

So inspirational -thank you so much for sharing Nic. So many nuggets of truth. I love your approach to art and get so very much out of your lessons. A huge thank you

[@jomassey4207]

We need to believe in ourselves. Putting it out there is half the fight. Clarity comes from loss. Grief and losing what matters, can be a fire to be lit, to express ourselves truthfully and honestly. If others see your inner strength they will either embrace it and you or walk away.

[@lisamclain2549]

Thank you for sharing your life and your heart. It takes such courage to be seen and it is the thing that heals us all, both viewer and viewed. To take suffering and transmute it to healing for oneself and for others is the pure essence of creating. Thank you for this gift and may blessings be numerous throughout this lifetime for you and yours. Namaste.

[@jinxieclark884]

I am still going thru it. also lost everything in 2009, including my kids to an abusive ex. anyhoo, i still haven't recovered. I started using art as a therapy about a year ago. not making anything yet, but hopefully will soon. if not? oh well, cannot go any lower than i already am. thank you for showing me i am not alone.

[@sandywilson2522]

Please believe in the future. Follow the speck of light towards life. You come out stronger and know what you are made of. 🙏💐

[@christopherevans4743]

I am very much in the same position. Lost my marriage and home that I had worked so hard for, struggled with depression. Even last week I had a client going bankrupt on me leaving me with thousands of pounds of unpaid invoices. I am starting on my own as an artist in June and I have plans to teach about creativity/imagination and anchoring it to ancient wisdom. Thanks for sharing your pain

[@rachelanne5060]

christopher evans your plans sound totally unique and fascinating. Best wishes to you!

[@christopherevans4743]

@@rachelanne5060 You do not normally expect nice messages on KZbin so thank you for an unexpected nice message.

[@dagmarvonschoeler2817]

Thank you so much for telling.Im very proud of you. You are a wonderful man Dagmar from Germany

[@maureengreen8240]

BRAVO!!! You have learned this lesson. It is hard & confusing when strife happens...just know to endure. You will find you will grow exponential to out match that which you thought you had lost.