The Beauty of Freedom, Choice, and Belonging
When I sat down to write about freedom, my mind was full of ideas—choosing a home, choosing our leaders, and the power of choice itself. It felt complicated to express because freedom isn’t just about having choices; it’s about trusting that those choices matter.
Here in Canada, we have a blessing we should never take for granted: our voices are heard. We have the power to choose without fear, to stand by our choices with honesty and integrity. Even when we disagree, we remain united under one flag, connected by the common goal of feeling safe and at home.
Whenever I think about beauty and safety, I think of Canada. The ability to vote, to express ourselves, and to support leaders who support us back—this is something truly special. It makes me reflect on the bigger picture of unity. Despite our different views, we are all part of something larger, something that brings us together.
As an artist, I see this connection through colors. Each color is unique, yet together they create something beautiful. We don’t remove colors; we blend them, complementing one another to form a rich and diverse palette—just like our country. Canada is a mosaic of people, cultures, and perspectives, and that diversity is what makes it so vibrant and strong.
This idea reminds me of a book I recently discovered, one that explores the beauty of mixing colors. It beautifully illustrates how blending and belonging go hand in hand. Books like these teach us, in the simplest way, how we can support each other for the greater good—that there is space for all of us to grow together.
Leo Lionni (1910–1999) was a Dutch-born American writer and illustrator of children’s books. After working as an art director in the U.S., he moved to Italy in 1962 and began creating children’s stories. He was the first to use collage as a primary illustration medium, earning praise for his bold, colorful, and simple yet profound art. His award-winning book Inch by Inch and many others explored themes of community, creativity, and belonging. He believed in the power of storytelling to teach children about working together, embracing differences, and building a better world. Even today, children continue to celebrate his work, creating their own versions of his stories as a tribute to his timeless messages.
For me, creating art and sharing meaningful books is a way to make the world a happier, safer space. Through art, I find inspiration, peace, and a deep sense of connection. It’s my way of expressing the belief that when we work together—when we accept and uplift each other—we create something truly extraordinary.
Yaffa Goawily
Art Specialist | Art Advisor | Community Development Through Art
Yafa Arts & Crafts www.yaffa.ca
