10 things you don’t realize you’re doing because you’re an old soul

Do you often feel like you’re slightly out of sync with the world around you, like you’re dancing to a different tune that only you can hear?

Or like you don’t find comfort in the things everyone else seems to value so much? 

If so, you might be what’s often referred to as an ‘old soul.’ This isn’t about age at all; it’s about your perspective on life, the depth of your thoughts, and the values that guide your journey. 

Let’s delve into this a bit more and explore 10 things you don’t realize you’re doing because you’re an old soul. You might just find some comfort in realizing that you’re not alone, and perhaps, come to embrace your unique view of the world even more.

1) You don’t put much value on material things

I’ll start with one of the most common ways old souls are different from the rest, and that’s the way they just aren’t driven by the thought of material possessions. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, old souls aren’t against owning nice things or enjoying the comfort they bring. 

But for people like you, life’s true richness isn’t about what you own, but about your experiences and relationships. There’s a distinction here, a subtle yet profound difference.

So, what do you value instead? 

The simple pleasures—a good book, a warm cup of tea, a heartfelt conversation. For you, the value of a moment isn’t defined by its price tag, but by the feelings and memories it creates. You prioritize people over possessions, moments over materials, experiences over excess.

This leads me to the next point…

2) You pursue an inherent love of wisdom and truth

You might just be an old soul if you have an insatiable thirst for wisdom and truth. When others are content with superficial answers, you crave deeper understanding. 

You seek out knowledge, not to show off or gain an upper hand, but simply for the sheer joy of learning and understanding.

A questioner, a seeker, a digger of truth – these are all descriptions that likely fit you. You’d rather live with uncomfortable truths than comforting illusions. 

And in your quest for wisdom, you are drawn to philosophy, spirituality, history, and the mysteries of the universe. Which is another reason why…

3) You often feel a sense of disconnect with your peers

Ever felt like you were born in the wrong era? Like your values, ideas, and thoughts just don’t sync up with those of your peers? 

As an old soul myself, I’ve often felt (and still do) this way. And it used to make me feel lonely. But now I’ve come to accept that that’s just how it is. 

The truth is, not everyone likes talking about the deep stuff like philosophy and those topics I mentioned above. 

What they are often preoccupied with are the latest trends and all the trappings of today’s fast-paced, hyper-digital world. 

And that doesn’t really appeal to you, not if you’re an old soul. Because you prefer the tangible, the real, the intimate.

The world may be at your fingertips, thanks to technology, but you’d much rather enjoy a good old-fashioned face-to-face chat or lose yourself in the pages of a paper book. 

You have a deep appreciation for things that seem to be falling by the wayside in our modern era, like handwritten letters or a quiet afternoon stroll.

4) You feel a sense of ‘been there, done that’

Aside from those preferences for the treasures of the olden days, you might even feel like you’ve lived a thousand lives before this one. 

Not in the literal sense, of course, but there’s a feeling of ‘been there, done that’ that you can’t quite shake off. Sometimes, you experience a sense of familiarity with people, places, or experiences you’ve never encountered before.

This sense of knowing goes beyond deja vu; it feels more like an echo from a past life or a glimpse of a larger cosmic journey. 

This might make you feel out of sync with others your age, but in a way, your unique perspective gives you an incredible depth of understanding and empathy.

5) You value authenticity and depth in relationships

Speaking of understanding and empathy, those are ideals you hold dear. For old souls like you, relationships aren’t about convenience or status. 

You’re all about connection, authenticity, and depth. You’re not interested in surface-level friendships or relationships built on pretense and vested interests.

Instead, you seek out genuine, soul-deep connections that stand the test of time. You’re the kind of person who wants to understand and be understood on a deeper level. 

The downside is that this may limit your circle of friends. But you know what? That’s okay. Because if there’s another thing you really take to heart, it’s that quality is always better than quantity. 

6) You are deeply empathetic and intuitive

Obviously, since you crave authenticity and depth in your relationships, it follows that you possess a deep well of empathy. That’s something old souls have in common. 

When someone is in pain or facing a challenge, you feel it too. You find it easy to walk in other people’s shoes and see things from their perspective. 

This empathetic nature extends to your intuitive abilities as well. You might find yourself understanding situations and people on a deeper level, often before they’ve even said a word.

This empathy and intuition often make you a great listener and advisor. Friends and loved ones frequently turn to you when they’re in need of comfort or advice. Even strangers might feel drawn to you, sensing your understanding nature.

7) You have a natural inclination towards healing and helping others

Your huge heart for empathy also makes you naturally drawn to healing or helping professions. 

Whether it’s being a teacher, a counselor, a nurse, or a therapist, your empathetic and intuitive nature propels you towards roles where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

That’s because old souls have a deep-seated desire to alleviate suffering and help others on their journey. You’re not just looking for a job that pays the bills or will make you rich; you want something that actually matters and has a real impact in the world.  

It’s about the ripple effect of positive change that you can create, one person at a time.

8) You enjoy solitude more than most people

This might come as surprising, given that old souls love helping people. But another thing that they really value is their solitude. 

You know why? Because that’s how they connect with their innermost thoughts and feelings. How they refresh themselves so they can have more to give the next time around. 

If that sounds familiar to you, then yes, you probably are an old soul.  

9) You connect deeply with nature

Here’s a question: Do you feel more at peace when you’re surrounded by nature? 

If the answer is yes, you might just be an old soul. 

This for me, was one of the first clues that made me feel like I was different from everyone else. Whenever I’m in nature with my family or friends, everyone would get busy taking selfies or gorging themselves with food. 

Me? I would go off by myself, looking at flowers or marveling at the whorls in the bark of an old tree. I would get lost in the push and pull, the rhythmic sounds of the ocean waves. 

Nature is not just a place to visit for me—it is a sanctuary. A place of peace and grounding. 

In fact, when I’m back in the city and feeling the stresses and frenetic energy of the modern world, I feel a primal urge to go off somewhere where there’s greenery or babbling brooks. 

10) You talk about mortality easily

Finally, what are your thoughts on life and death? Is this a topic you’re comfortable talking about? If you do, that would be one more sign you’re an old soul. 

See, mortality is not an easy concept for everyone to grapple with. But old souls tend to have a more serene acceptance of it. You understand that life is transient, and this awareness doesn’t scare you; instead, it makes you value each moment more.

This perspective often leads to a life lived with passion, intentionality, and gratitude. You understand that every day, every moment, is a gift, and you strive to make the most out of it.

Final thoughts

Being an old soul isn’t always easy in this fast-paced, hyper-connected world. It can sometimes feel like being a round peg in a square hole. But it’s these very differences, these beautiful quirks, that make you who you are.

So embrace your old soul. Nurture it. Celebrate it. You’re not just living a life—you’re experiencing a unique journey, one thoughtful step at a time. 

The world might cast a negative light on your choices, but if you’re true to yourself, your life will feel just right to you.