Adrian Volenik
Have you ever felt like you’re not the same as the people around you? Although you’re not that old, you mostly don’t understand today’s world and its modern frills.
If it were up to you, you’d listen to vinyl and sip tea or whiskey all the time. You’re more connected to Ernest Hemingway or Audrey Hepburn than Taylor Swift.
What I’m getting at is that you may be an old soul even though no one realizes it. And to prove my point, here are the signs that confirm it.
1) You find solace in quiet moments
I’ve met a couple of old souls in my lifetime, and they all have one thing in common – they love spending time alone.
For them, finding peace in quiet moments isn’t just about avoiding noise. It’s about actively pursuing the tranquility that comes with silence.
Moments like having a morning coffee alone or enjoying a night sky devoid of distractions help recharge their spirit.
Is this something you can relate to?
2) You have an introspective nature
People who like spending time alone often have an introspective nature. They spend plenty of time daydreaming and contemplating things many others wouldn’t give a second thought.
If you’re an old soul, you have an introspective nature that goes above and beyond occasional self-reflection.
You’re on a continuous journey of self-discovery, willing to confront both the light and shadow aspects of your personality.
But why? Why do some spend so much time thinking about themselves? They simply want to discover and understand their motivations and aspirations.
3) You have an appreciation for timeless wisdom
Another thing many old souls have in common is their appreciation for timeless wisdom. They don’t just acknowledge the old sayings but incorporate them into their life.
And how about you?
Do you, for example, take inspiration from ancient philosophies such as Stoicism or Buddhism and integrate principles like mindfulness, resilience, and the pursuit of inner peace into your everyday routine?
Or you’re reading classic literature not just for entertainment but for the profound life lessons ingrained in the narratives, recognizing the enduring relevance of timeless themes and moral principles.
Basically, you find ancient teachings fascinating and use them as a compass for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
But let’s expand on this a bit more.
4) You love classic literature
Diving deep into classic literature is like stepping into a time machine with each book, isn’t it?
You immerse yourself in the language, societal nuances, and profound ideas that authors from the past wove into their narratives.
One of my all-time favorite books is Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It’s such a gripping journey into the mind of the tormented protagonist, Raskolnikov.
I love thinking about the book’s setting – 19th-century Russia. It’s just such a fascinating point in time, and Dostoevsky’s psychological exploration of morality and redemption is often my gateway into this world.
5) You have a connection to the past
Many people are nostalgic, especially when they get older. And that’s normal, right? You yearn for the times when you were younger, healthier, and probably happier.
But old souls are nostalgic in a different way. They long for the times they never lived in. They yearn for the past.
If what I wrote about 19th-century Russia resonated with you, it means you, too, feel a connection to the past.
It involves more than nostalgia. You simply understand how historical events, family traditions, and cultural legacies have shaped who you are today.
In a sense, it’s a conscious acknowledgment of your roots.
It’s farfetched to say that the past was simpler to live in, but it often seems like it was, doesn’t it?
6) You embrace simplicity
If you’re looking for just one word to describe old souls to other people, it would be “simpler.” Old souls love living simple lives. Give them a good book and a porch to sit on, and they’re happy.
For that, I really envy them. When I look at my life and see how much I have going on and how it makes me miserable at times, sitting peacefully on a porch and reading and contemplating sounds like a dream.
But then I remember that the reason I do so many things is because I choose to. Deep down, I love juggling things and that’s what makes me happy and not chilling on a patio.
For old souls, on the other hand, embracing simplicity means not just enjoying uncomplicated moments but actively seeking them.
They do everything they can to simplify their lifestyle, focusing on what truly matters and finding joy in the little things that often go unnoticed.
7) You’re out of sync with trends
Because you love looking back into the past for inspiration and entertainment, it’s no wonder you don’t understand today’s trends.
If you’re feeling out of sync with trends, it doesn’t mean you’re rejecting 21st century and progress. You’re just staying true to your preferences despite societal pressures.
Above all, you’re confidently embracing your unique and timeless tastes, even if they don’t align with the current popular culture.
That’s why TikTok and other social media and the craze surrounding them baffle you, right?
8) You embrace old-fashioned courtesy
Are the customs of people in the past fascinating to you? Don’t you just love how people were more polite and had more respect?
Many old souls, in fact, embrace old-fashioned courtesy to the point they try infusing classic manners into their daily interactions.
But for them, it’s not just a set of rules but a genuine expression of respect and consideration for others, making the world a more pleasant place, one polite gesture at a time.
It’s also a way to form genuine connections with others, who are often like-minded people.
9) You value deep connections
Old souls don’t have many friends. And not just because they’re introverted in many cases, but more so because they value genuine and deep connections with others.
They prefer deep connections because they avoid superficial interactions. They’d instead invest time and emotional energy into relationships to help them grow and prosper beyond the surface level.
I completely understand this, too. With so little time to spend on leisure these days, I’d rather spend this time meaningfully than in shallow interactions.
Opting for meaningful conversations means you’re actively steering away from the mundane.
It means delving into topics that matter, sharing personal experiences, and engaging in discussions that leave a lasting impression.
10) You love nature
We’re down to the last two signs you’re an old soul, and one of them implies that you’re an old soul if you love spending time in nature.
That alone doesn’t mean you’re an old soul, of course. But if it’s coupled with other signs on this list, it’s a relatively clear sign.
If loving nature for you is more than enjoying a walk in the park but about cultivating a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things, that speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
Old souls often understand the beauty of natural cycles and feel a sense of responsibility to preserve the environment.
Consumerism, which is devastating our planet, goes against everything they believe in. If anything, they’d buy even fewer things if they could.
11) You embrace the aging process
And lastly, old souls don’t resist aging. They simply welcome it and see it as a normal part of being a human.
But embracing the aging process isn’t just resigning to the inevitable. Old souls recognize the beauty, wisdom, and unique experiences that come with each passing year.
They have a mindset that views aging as a journey filled with growth and new perspectives.
Again, that doesn’t mean you’re not taking care of yourself and using makeup and moisturizer or even plucking the odd grey hair in your beard.
But you’re also not making a drama when you cross 30, 40, 50…
Final thoughts
In the end, being an old soul means different things to different people. You might not consider yourself an old soul, but others see you as such.
It’s all in the eye of the beholder. And that’s okay. What’s the point in categorizing people? We’re all the same species, after all.
