hey Joey
I had to smile when I heard you running out of breath a couple'a times...cause that's exactly what happens to me when I sing that song!!! Too many years of smoking I reckon.
And yes mate, ! do know that feeling very well...a bit like this
What I've found that helps me is to just put the song down for a few days, even a week or two, then come back to it fresh...all of a sudden the rhythm seems to flow better and it starts to make sense more. I think that when you get that close to a song and so absorbed in it, the pure determination to get on top of it can get a little destructive...sometimes you need to step back and get a fresh perspective. For me this happens often in the process of songwriting. It's amazing how a few days away just clears the head and creates a better space to work in.
You mentioned the strumming...having difficulty with the upstroke. I'm no teacher mate but maybe could suggest a couple of things. First try and relax your wrist a little...still looks a little stiff to me...just wring it out before you start to play a few times...stay relaxed. Also maybe try using your index finger a little and brushing back up on the strings with that...let your wrist move in time with the rhythm and flow of the song. That sometimes helps you to find a "natural" strumming rhythm. And maybe look at some of the tutorials here at the UU and online re strumming technique.
I know its hard, but try and be patient mate!!! Remember you've only been playing this thing these past few weeks! to me it seems your progress is going really fast...see the positives in your playing too!!! We are all still struggling to overcome one deficiency or another in our playing, whether we have been playing for 5 weeks or fifty years.
Many blessings mate. Loving watching your progress and your passion for the beautiful uke, and sharing it with us. eugene