Martha Croissy
Your friends have been ‘name-shaming’ you, an old soul!
Do you feel offended? You shouldn’t; it’s actually a compliment.
So, what does “old soul” actually mean?
An old soul is someone who thinks, speaks, and acts in a way that doesn’t reflect their age but in a positive way. Such a person oozes wisdom, acts maturely, and thinks intelligently, dumbfounding friends and foes alike.
An old soul’s demeanor has nothing to do with age. A person could be a young adult barely out of their teens or a 35-year-old sage. It’s their modus operandi that sets them apart.
Curious to find out if you are cut from a different cloth? Here are 12 signs you’re an old soul:
1) You are not too attached to material possessions
If you’re an old soul, you have things that you hold dear, but earthly possessions aren’t one of them. This is because you don’t really find happiness in material possessions or money.
For instance, you’re not the type to constantly upgrade your gadgets or impulsively redecorate your home. Instead, you prefer to use things for as long as they serve their purpose.
Personally, I still have my iPhone 8 and have no plans to dispose of it for a newer version. If it ain’t broken, why fix it?
Keeping up with the latest trends in fashion isn’t our thing. We are more focused on things money can’t buy: stuff like empathy, compassion, or inner peace.
2) You cherish your time alone
If you dedicate a considerable amount of time alone, on creative pursuits, daydreaming, and simply pondering life, you’re likely an old soul.
Old souls are avid readers too. You’re particularly drawn to stories set in different places and times, and you can almost envision yourself as a part of the narrative.
Others might perceive you as somewhat distant, distracted, or even slightly out of touch with reality.
But hey, that’s just because you have this unique way of experiencing the world, and that’s what makes you special.
3) You adore meaningful connections
As much as you enjoy your alone time, though, you also love making meaningful connections.
And as an old soul, you recognize the things that get in the way of that. That includes traits such as toxic masculinity or spirituality.
Wondering how to recognize toxic spirituality yourself? This eye-opening video by the shaman Rudá Iandé might help. In this video, he explains how so many of us fall into the toxic spirituality trap. He himself went through a similar experience at the start of his journey.
Another thing that’s quite common for old souls is to have a smaller social circle. Your group of friends might consist of people from various age groups, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Because of your strong intuition, you have a knack for sensing when someone has the potential to become a friend for life. You cherish your friends and will do anything for them.
4) You are empathetic
Empathetic people are often associated with having an old soul. Understanding and deeply feeling what others go through can give you a sense of maturity and wisdom.
But let’s be real, it’s not always easy.
Being so attuned to the pain and struggles of others can sometimes feel like carrying a heavy burden on your shoulders. It’s like you can’t easily shake off that weight.
And because you’re extra sensitive, conflicts can be particularly challenging for you. No wonder you find solace in solitude and spending time in serene and peaceful places.
5) You tend to focus on the bigger picture
Old souls are high-level thinkers.
If you’re always looking at the grand scheme of things instead of getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty details, then you’re most likely an old soul.
You find yourself focusing on making positive changes wherever you can.
And you know what else?
You’re superb at picking up on the subtle nuances of human behavior. You have this innate ability to see the worth in others and believe in their capacity for growth and change.
6) You have the curiosity of a cat
Old souls are all about truth and wisdom. You’ve got a curious mind that is genuinely interested in what’s going on in the world.
And it’s not just some superficial curiosity. It’s about being curious about what’s happening, whether it’s world events or your relationships with family and friends.
You are eager to see what’s emerging and what lessons or growth opportunities might come out of those experiences. You possess a deep thirst for knowledge and self-development.
7) You overthink everything
You know what’s both a blessing and a curse for you? Your contemplative nature.
On one hand, it’s great because you really take time to think deeply about things. But on the other hand, it can be quite a pain because you tend to overthink practically everything.
And let’s not even get started on relationships.
At this point, I will make a confession: I also tend to overthink a lot. I draw horrible pictures of situations and then believe in them, which ends up making me sad, anxious or stressed.
Before I realize it’s just overthinking, I would have wasted so much energy and tears.
All that overthinking and analyzing can make it tough for us to navigate social interactions smoothly. It’s like a constant battle inside our heads, trying to figure out the right thing to say or do.
So yeah, being contemplative has its upsides, but it also comes with its fair share of struggles.
8) You are the go-to person for advice
Old souls are like magnets for advice-seekers. It’s like moths flocking to a flame! People are just naturally drawn to you because of your level-headedness and wisdom.
So, it’s no surprise that family members, friends, and even workmates perceive you as the go-to person for advice.
But here’s the thing—you genuinely enjoy helping others. It’s actually a pleasure for you to offer guidance and support to those in need.
So, despite feeling a bit inundated at times, you find fulfillment in being that trusted advisor.
9) You’re anti-status quo
If you’re rebellious and see beyond the usual structures that shape our reality, you’re most likely an old soul. You have this inner drive to discover what really resonates with you.
You have a healthy dose of skepticism and understand that not everything is as it seems from the outside.
So, you set out on a quest to find the truth and are not afraid to question things and challenge the status quo.
It’s pretty inspiring to see how you break free from the limitations that society often imposes.
You pave your own unique paths and live life on your terms. You’re a trailblazer, leading the way to new perspectives and deeper truths.
10) You’re super-perceptive of life. And death!
You know what can sometimes get right in your feels? The constant reminders of mortality. It’s like you’re surrounded by this awareness of the impermanence of everything and everyone around you.
But you know what’s interesting?
Instead of letting it bring you down, you choose to live your life differently. You know that every decision counts, and you’re mindful of the choices you make and how you spend your precious time.
So, even though the reminder of mortality can be tough, it fuels you to live fully and make the most out of every moment.
11) You abhor meaningless adventures
Sure, you love going out and having a good time, but are you doing it to avoid looking boring? Nah, that doesn’t fly with you.
When you go out, you want it to be an experience that really resonates with your unique way of seeing the world.
You crave something that challenges you and expands your horizons. You’re not into wasting time and money on meaningless outings.
Going out just for the sake of it seems pretty pointless. You’d rather save up your hard-earned moolah and spend on amazing experiences.
12) You’re a sucker for vintage stuff
If you have this magnetic pull towards all things old, you’re most likely an old soul. It’s like you feel right at home in bygone eras.
I’m talking about old music, old cars, old furniture, old architecture, old books, old clothing—you name it!
For instance, if you find yourself turning your head at that pimped up 1904 Rolls-Royce down the street or grooving to the sweet tunes of 1920s jazz, you’re most definitely an old soul…
But it doesn’t stop there!
You also appreciate ancient cultures and have a deep respect for the traditions of different civilizations.
So, whether it’s embracing the charm of the past or diving into ancient cultures, you have this knack for finding beauty and meaning in things that have stood the test of time.
You’re like a time traveler, exploring history and soaking up the essence of different eras.
Final thoughts
Being an old soul is a fantastic trait in this ever-changing world. Having the ability to be empathetic, steady, and curious can make you feel like you have the world at your feet.
Regardless of whether you are an old soul or not, the journey to empower yourself is a never-ending one.
Shaman Rudá Iandé’s eye-opening video explainer can empower you to become a better version of yourself. Not suppressing your emotions, not judging others, but forming a pure connection with who you are at the core!
