A Calling – How Can I Not?

Guest Contributor, Erin Konsmo

A title such as this often leaves one wondering, what is this about? That ambiguity, simply put is what I have felt leads my life, and in which I know many other women who have found themselves. I chose to write about this as a beginning article, because it was what linked Kim Bérubé and I together. We both had callings, and a desire to reach out to each other in solidarity.

A calling, in its simplest terms is when you feel an absolute attachment to an issue, cause, or path and when someone asks you,

“Why do you do what you do?”
You reply with just as puzzled of an answer,
“How can I not?”

This calling is different for many women, comes at different times in their lives, and perhaps in the form of a second career, or serious leisure activity. Mine came early… for which I am very thankful.

My calling began at the age of 17 when I really became interested in understanding social issues within my community, and since then has been a dedicated sometimes maniac expedition I can never let go of.  One of the key parts to a calling is accepting that sometimes no one may understand it, people may question your sanity, and at times there may be for the briefest second a question of “Are they right?”.

At 24, I have learned to laugh and shake this question off, and jump one more knee deep into my passion, and skip with glee and hope into my calling.

A little bit about myself now, my name is Erin Konsmo and I was born and raised in Innisfail, Alberta. I recently finished my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and will be returning to school in September to take my Master of Environmental Studies in Toronto at York University.

I am a Métis native feminist.
My life is social justice, activism, and international development.
I am a social justice entrepreneur and compassion activist.
My contributions to Real Woman on the Run will mainly focus on the idea of a calling, my own calling, and the feeling of urgency for world compassion and where women fit.

To all the women out there who have ever felt ‘called’, I encourage you to pursue that call and let your passion overtake you. There is a lengthy list of problems to solve these days, and as women we have often lead the path in being the first to pick from that list. Answer that call with conviction!

Erin Konsmo is a Métis native feminist currently walking her 8 Mile Métis Journey and reconnecting with her culture. She is passionatey involved with the Aboriginal HIV/AIDS movement and I am proud to be on the National Aboriginal AIDS Network Youth Council. She believes her life is social justice and activism, tinted with a worldview of compassion and social entrepreneurship. She believes that there is a need for a compassion revolution. Find Erin on Facebook!