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CZT Family Tree: Russell McDonald

CZT Family Tree: Russell McDonald

Russell writes..

So, when Julie asked me to do a Zentangle Family Tree Blog for May, I was excited to share my story, as I have always been open about my journey in Recovery.

That being said, I usually introduce myself as “Hello, my name is Russell and I am an alcoholic.” As I write this, May 4, 2022, it has been exactly 1000 days since my last drink. With the struggle of addiction, I’ve learned to identify that I have struggles with other aspects of Me and my life, like mental health disorders. This brings my introduction full circle to why Julie asked me to share, as I was introduced to Zentangle in a Mental Health outpatient program early in my recovery.

My first lesson was with Jody Genovese CZT on October 10th 2019, and I immediately attached onto the Zentangle Method as a way to help me with so many aspects of my life. For example, I am finally “doing” this typing after receiving the request in March… the anxiety of doing an “assignment” has facilitated my ability to procrastinate, hence the last-minute completion of this article. How did I deal with some of that anxiety that I was struggling with, you may ask…? Why, with tangling!



So, the story continues…

Through the guidance and support of Jody, I was encouraged to consider becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher. For the first six months or so of my Recovery, Thursday morning Zentangle group was THE highlight of my week. And if anyone is looking at the dates in my story, some of you can guess what happened next… the pandemic!

That’s right, good ole’ Covid Pandemic. As the outpatient clinic is a medical facility associated with a large hospital association, restrictions were put in place and precautions were taken to protect all involved; the clients, the facility workers, and the volunteers. Well, one of those restrictions was that volunteers were not allowed into the facility. This drastically affected me, and other clients of the facility also, as our beloved Zentangle teacher freely volunteered her time to bring this amazing method to create art to us.

In the beginning of the pandemic I got a taste of what it was like to lead a class. I was gaining confidence in myself and my abilities, and I “substitute” taught that Thursday morning group for a little while… on a white board nonetheless. Just before Jody’s final lesson at the clinic I had received news that I had received some financial assistance with attending the next Zentangle Certification class, boy was I excited!!! I am so grateful for that assistance, and they know who they are, because it was the next HUGE step, in a series of many, that brought me to where I am today.

Well, once again, we all know what happened… The world shut down! Long story short, I’ve still yet to get to Rhode Island to meet everyone in the CZT family in person, but I attended CZT 36 in Fall of 2020, the first virtual certification conference in Zentangle history, let alone the first one in a year at that point in the pandemic, I believe…. Anyways. What a wonderful experience!

 



During all this time, I had also been working on other aspects of my recovery, including MBSR training aka meditation certification with UMass medical – coincidence that during my CZT training we first heard about Zentangle inc. possibly working with them. Along with that I was working towards becoming a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, which would give me the opportunity to work with others in recovery. So, having achieved these certificates, I have somewhat combined them to help others in recovery using the Zentangle Method, as I have, to enrich their lives.

Which brings us to today. Day 1000 of not having a drink, and day 937 of my Zentangle journey (I used an app to figure that out!). Not too long after becoming a CZT, I was having a conversation with Jody. During this conversation she basically blessed me with the opportunity, if it ever arose, to take over the class that she was doing at the Mental Health Clinic. Well, after jumping through all the hoops to become an official hospital volunteer and pandemic restrictions being lifted, that opportunity arose!

On April 5th 2022, after just over two years, it was my honor to bring Zentangle back to that Mental Health Clinic! Full Circle! Giving back what was so freely given to me, thank you Jody, and everyone at the Zentangle, Inc team, has been a crucial part of my recovery.

Along with those experiences over the last two years came the opportunity for me to be involved in a local community center. The hows and what nots of this involvement is circumstantially not super important, what is, is that around Thanksgiving of 2021 I was given the keys to my own space in said community center! This space has become the Bijou Art Room, aka my studio/office. This space has afforded me the opportunity to teach a Monday night class and bring Zentangle to others in the community!



So, ya, that’s my story… I am going to follow this with the actual family tree questions… thanks for listening.

Name: Russell McDonald CZT, CRPA-P (even after a year and a half its still weird to have letters after my name… lol)

CZT #: 36

Hometown: Rotterdam NY USA

Favorite Tangle: I’m a tangleoholic, I can’t have just one!!! Every new tangle I play with becomes my “at that time” favorite!

Favorite place to tangle: At self-help meetings. Another mental health disorder I struggle with, ADD/ADHD. Tangling keeps my hands occupied so that my brain can listen during the meeting… My studio/office, surrounded by my art and student art… in my sketchbook at the park by the light of the street lamp, seriously, … Anywhere!

How I use the Zentangle Method in my life: The story above answers this pretty strongly I feel, but there are some other aspects of the Zentangle Method that I use in my life. The appreciation and gratitude step at the beginning and end is very important, and nice, to me. In my recovery I have become grateful for what I have, and not resentful for what I don’t have. I try to hold onto the appreciation and gratitude that I Invite into my students lives, and my own, and savor the moment…

Through my experience as a CZT, I have learned: Patience, gratitude, appreciation, respect, so many things! Self-respect, courage, admiration; I’ve learned that I can be a leader, that I can inspire others, be a role model. I’ve learned that I am capable of these things!

If I’m not tangling you will find me: all over the place… never a dull moment for me! Fishing, bowling, horseshoes, fireside. Self-help fellowships, working with others, new 7 ½ month old puppy…

Find me on the Zentangle Mosaic App! Username: Russell_McDonaldCZT36 (which reminds me, I should post some recent stuff…..)

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A heartfelt thank you to Russell for sharing his story with us and the entire Zentangle community!

We also want to thank all of those who shared their comments and stories on our blog, My Zentangle Toolbox. We have randomly selected Jane A to receive a Gratitude and Appreciation Zentangle MantraBand! Please send your snail mail address to julie@zentangle.com

Bijou

62 comments

  • I don’t speak English but I like following yours zentangles I love too much tanks for sharing

    Carmen morales on

  • Hi from a fellow CZT36. What an accomplishment to be come a certified peer, I know that training is a big commitment. More letters after one’s name is so cool. Thanks for sharing your story from a CZT, PhD

    Jessica M on

  • Russel, thank you for sharing your journey and I couldn’t resonate more with it. It’s not just therapeutic but beyond that. Your story takes me back to my days of doing the Czt course, in the fall of 2020.

    I was in the most miserable state of my life where each day seemed like the last day of my life. There’s a saying, that nothing is a coincidence, everything happens for a reason and this course came just at the moment. By the end of the course I was like as if nothing had happened in my life, just like a refresh button.
    I am equally grateful to zentangle inc and the entire community.

    Sweta Saraf on

  • Great to hear your story Russell, and I have enjoyed your posts in the app. It is clear you thoroughly enjoy the creativity and the challenges. How lucky were we to be able to become certified virtually. Your story is inspiring me to finally expand my offering of Zentangle in my clinical psychology practice. At present I have works dotted around my room and love my clients’ reactions when they discover I have drawn them. I love to teach individuals the joy of Zentangle. I dream to have a drop in waiting room with a Zentangle space and classes. I am grateful that the future includes Zentangle and will continue to follow my fellow CZT36 class mates. Maybe I will meet you in Rhode Island one day.

    Roslyn Badcock on

  • Russell, I loved reading your story. Great example of “there are no mistakes” – the weirdest stuff comes out of the big disappointments. I found Zentangle because of my insomnia and mental health issues (and divorce). But it ended up changing my life in too many ways to count. ADD and Aspergers have some similarities and I can totally relate to what you said about tangling in class and meetings – it’s the best way to focus on what’s being said. I wish you the best. :-)

    Sandy Bartholomew on

  • Wow… I am totally impressed with your story (and the twists of life!). Maybe the smallest of your problems has been procrastination; On the contrary you have been able to show a tremendous strength in fighting alcoholism. So glad we all can see the big impact Zentangle has in our lives. One way or another, it has helped us, supported us in decision making processes and especially has made us grown turning better versions of ourselves. Thanks indeed for this “shot” of positivism and love.

    Hugs from Madrid,
    Os

    Os on

  • Thanks for sharing your personal story. Zentangle heals, I can’t stop repeating it! We in our community are convinced of this every time. During the pandemic, our online meetings have become life-saving for many members of our drawing club. I wish you good luck and all the best!

    Elena on

  • Thank you for sharing this very important message with your Zentangle Family.

    You’ve reminded me to follow up on a service opportunity I’ve learned about. I hope to be helping kids impacted by cancer and I know that Zentangle will be of benefit to them. Without your story, I would have forgotten! Thank you so much Russell! Zentangle is for sharing!

    Pegi on

  • Gracial Russell por compartir tu historia de superación!. Es inspiradora! Felicitaciones por tus logros!. Un abrazo grande!

    Maria Arabito on

  • Russell, very inspiring to hear your story and this is definitely going to inspire many who are suffering silently…. Yes zentangle art is an amazing therapeutic artform.. appreciate your attitude to work ahead in life and let go your past by holding hands with Zentangle art…🤗

    Maya Avanith Czt 34 on

  • Russell, very inspiring to hear your story and this is definitely going to inspire many who are suffering silently…. Yes zentangle art is an amazing therapeutic artform.. appreciate your attitude to work ahead in life and let go your past by holding hands with Zentangle art…🤗

    Maya Avanith on

  • Russell, very inspiring to hear your story and this is definitely going to inspire many who are suffering silently…. Yes zentangle art is an amazing therapeutic artform.. appreciate your attitude to work ahead in life and let go your past by holding hands with Zentangle art…🤗

    Maya Avanith on

  • Russell, I have been aware of Zentagle since it’s beginnings and to know that today it is helping you and others in such profound and positive ways is inspirational. Keep up all your good work, accomplishments and pride in your journey of self help.

    Merle Rosskam on

  • Russell,
    Thank you for sharing your story. And congratulations on all your accomplishments!

    Kitty C on

  • Much thanks to Russell for sharing his journey!

    Laura on

  • Thank you for sharing your amazing journey. The very best to you in ‘what comes next.’

    I especially enjoyed your creativity on the first 4 Tangles we all know and love.

    Judy W on

  • Russell, so great to read your story. I have respect for your path, the words and the strength you show us. The power of Zentangle is endless, go with the flow and enjoy!

    Irene Lammerse CZT on

  • Inspiring story, thank you for sharing. As a grateful fellow member of #36, I have been sharing Zentangle with homeschooled students, many with learning differently needs. Zentangle knows no boundaries, it can be enjoyed by all who are willing to be enthusiastic and try something new. Thank you Russell, for taking the steps necessary to help others, I know it isn’t easy.

    Ann Baum on

  • You’re an inspiration!!!

    Marge on

  • Thank you for sharing your story. And congratulations to your 1000 days and the fact that Zentangle came into yur life.

    Maria Vennekens on

  • Russel, Thank you so much for sharing your Story! You are such an Inspiration!

    Cornelia Spevak on

  • What a wonderful story and such an inspiration for all! As a CZT#36 graduate it humbles me to know you were in that class too. If was life changing!

    Pattie G. on

  • Thank-you so much Russell for sharing your wonderful story and your love of tangling. My eyes are moist, my throat is tight, and my heart is smiling. In spite of challenges and Covid barriers you persisted and have found a new love (plus a puppy!). As they say, Tangle On! <3

    Joan on

  • By the way, Your Hollibaugh reminds me of metal puzzles I played with as a child! I love the 3D effect they have, kind of like plumbing pipes! Your Printemps are also Unique! They are a cute cross between Printemps and Bijou! Although you have done the same 4 tangles that are always done on the tile, Your tile has a unique style! Having the chop of R.A.M. is very interesting as well. Keep up the beautiful work!

    LLS on

  • By the way, Your Hollibaugh reminds me of metal puzzles I played with as a child! I love the 3D effect they have, kind of like plumbing pipes! Your Printemps are also Unique! They are a cute cross between Printemps and Bijou! Although you have done the same 4 tangles that are always done on the tile, Your tile has a unique style! Having the chop of R.A.M. is very interesting as well. Keep up the beautiful work!

    LLS on

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