On April 17, 1982, was a defining and monumental moment in Canadian history took place. 44 years ago, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II signed the Canada Act 1982, granting Canada full control over its Constitution and enshrining the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Constitution Act, 1982, included the patriation of the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into force on that day. Alongside Queen Elizabeth II, Pierre Trudeau, Jean Chrétien, and André Ouellet signed the Proclamation that brought the Act into effect.
This historic legislation completed Canada’s journey to full independence by allowing Canadians to amend their own Constitution without requiring approval from Britain. It also formally ended the United Kingdom’s role in Canada’s domestic affairs and established a clear framework for federal-provincial relations. Most importantly, it outlined and protected the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Canadians.
Having mentioned the above, didn’t mean personal engagement in politics. However, I felt deeply honored to witness this significant occasion in Canadian history. As I was assigned to create an oil painting capturing the entire event which made the experience especially meaningful. You may read the full story on the Canadian Culture’s website: https://www.canadianculture.com/constitution-act/. There, you will find a link to my website where you will also find several testimonials, for which I am grateful to receive, on this link: https://www.monayoussefgallery.com/testimonials-mona-received
Having shared a story in my life, but who truly I am? Do our stories make who we are, or we make our stories! Obviously, it’s a continuous dialogue. We interpret our experiences (our “stories”), and those interpretations shape how we see ourselves. At the same time, who we are, our values, sensitivities, and awareness shape how those stories are told, remembered, and even created moving forward. So yes, they move together, constantly influencing each other.
Aside from being a highly sensitive artist, as individual, I am a compassionate, reflective soul, contemplator, empathetic person with openness of mind to all cultures and attuned to them altogether. In General, being selectively introverted at my core while you may notice me, at times, stepping outward as expressive-extroverted when a call is on. Obviously, I am passionately drawn to nature as my fresh oxygen of life where can easily spend a complete day alone yet fully feel satisfied with no actual nourishment. Seeking transparency and integrity in all my relationships including business communications. Observing, reading and writing are my young-age companions and up to date. It severely distresses me when nearsighted or farsighted oppression, hatred, racism, injustice, prejudice, unauthentic behaviours, hurtful jealousy, sufferings and abuse of all its forms. Lastly but most importantly, treasuring family’s bond and loyal friends is one of my very core labels. Perceiving and sensing art in everything, you may say I am a contemplative empath with an artistic lens on life yet at times, must face conflicting and agonizing realities!
My dear followers, beyond what you do or have achieved—who are you at your core? What values, mindsets, beliefs or ways of seeing the world shape you the most? I’d love to hear how you experience being you!
