7 unusual habits that indicate you’re an old soul

by Tina Fey | September 1, 2024, 8:00 am

Have you ever wondered if your soul might be older than you think? 

I’ve heard of concepts like reincarnation and considered them intriguing ideas, but never thought they applied to me. 

That is, until my travels led me to encounters with shamans who opened my eyes. They shared with me a fascinating insight: there are specific habits, often overlooked, that are tell-tale signs of an old soul. 

As they described these habits, I was taken aback by how many resonated with my own experiences. 

Let’s explore these 7 unusual habits that might just reveal the true age of your soul.

1) You enjoy spending time with yourself

There’s something undeniably special about enjoying one’s own company, a trait often found in old souls

Some might misunderstand this as isolation or loneliness, but it’s quite the contrary — it’s a deep understanding and nurturing of your inner world. 

In these moments of solitude, you’re engaging in introspection, reflecting on life’s mysteries, and appreciating the subtle beauty of the world around you. 

Your mind wanders through the corridors of past experiences, lessons learned, and wisdom gained. 

I personally have found this habit to be a sanctuary. Whether it’s sitting quietly in a garden, listening to the soft rustle of leaves, or curling up with a book that speaks to my soul, these moments alone are when I feel most in tune with my inner self. 

This habit of seeking solitude is not just a preference for quiet; it’s a sign of a soul that has lived, learned, and grown through ages. 

It’s a soul that finds comfort in its own depth, a soul that understands the value of stillness in a world that is constantly moving.

2) You tend to dive deep into anything

Deep thinking is more than just a habit; it’s a way of engaging with the world that reflects a soul seasoned by experiences beyond its years. 

And in your case, you might find yourself doing it with just about everything. The other day, I was on a morning walk with a friend and we saw a mushroom growing by the side of the road.

We stopped to admire it, and before we knew it, it had sparked a discussion about the incredible resilience of nature and the interconnectedness of all things. All that, from a mere mushroom!

This is a unique way of looking at the world that accompanies you no matter what you’re doing. Why, even when I watch Netflix, I find myself wondering at the intricacies of human relationships portrayed by the characters. 

You might also find yourself questioning societal norms, or delving directly into the mysteries of the universe. 

These moments aren’t just casual reflections; they’re intense explorations that challenge us and broaden our understanding of the world.

3) You appreciate nostalgic and vintage things

Do you find your shelves brimming with old clocks, trinkets, and books whose pages have yellowed with time? 

This affection for nostalgic and vintage items is a trait often seen in old souls. It’s not just a preference for retro style; it’s a deeper connection to objects that have their own histories.

For me, this affinity is most apparent when I visit antique shops. Each item, from a delicately crafted locket to a rustic wooden chair, seems to whisper stories of eras gone by. 

I’m drawn to their enduring beauty and the sense of continuity they provide. The eye sees an old object, but the soul knows that these are tangible links to the past.

Your appreciation for these items reflects a recognition of their journey through time. It’s as if their resilience and the tales they hold resonate with the depth and experiences of your own soul. 

They’re not mere possessions; they are echoes of history, and in them, you find a comforting reminder of the timelessness and continuity of life.

4) You ask for experiential gifts over material ones

While old souls do appreciate a thoughtful present, they also understand that memories created from experiences are far more valuable. 

It’s about the richness of life, not the richness of possessions.

As a child, I was caught up in the glamor of shiny new toys and then, the latest technological gadgets. My family has always been used to giving material gifts, so that’s what I grew up with.

But as I’ve matured and gotten more in touch with myself, I found in myself a profound detachment from any objects I’ve collected over the years.

And the last several special occasions, I found myself craving spending time with friends rather than getting more stuff to fill my house with.

For my birthday I asked one of my friends to take me on a hiking adventure. The experience was unforgettable – the laughter, the challenge of the climb, and the breathtaking view from the top. 

Moments like these, shared with loved ones, are now cherished memories, and that’s the real sustenance of an old soul.

5) You like to simplify things

If you’re an old soul, you likely have a knack for simplifying things. Whether it’s possessions, relationships, or work processes, you strive for what is truly essential, making your life richer and more meaningful.

Simplifying can take many forms, from decluttering physical spaces to streamlining daily routines.

In my own life, I’ve found joy in letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose. Recently, I went through my closet and donated clothes I hadn’t worn in years.

This created some much-needed space in my home and helped me recognize what I really need and value.

Similarly, in my work, I constantly look for ways to make processes more efficient. I question every step, asking, “Is this necessary? Can this be done more simply?” This approach often leads to innovative solutions and a more streamlined workflow.

This habit of simplification reflects an old soul’s desire for essence over excess. You understand that life’s quality isn’t determined by how much you have but by the value of what you keep. 

6) You have unique and unexplainable interests

An old soul often has hobbies or interests that seem to emerge out of nowhere, not necessarily aligning with their culture, local area, or social circle. 

These interests can be so unique and specific that even the individuals themselves can’t pinpoint where they first picked them up.

For instance, I have a profound fascination with ancient cartography, the art and science of old maps. 

I can’t honestly recall the exact moment this interest took root in my life. It’s as if a part of me has always been drawn to their mystery and history.

Similarly, a friend of mine, who has no direct ties to Asian culture, finds herself deeply attracted to traditional Chinese singing. She stumbled upon it one day online and felt an instant connection. 

These unique interests among old souls are more than mere hobbies; they often feel like echoes of past experiences or lives. 

They’re interests that don’t just entertain but fulfill a deeper part of who we are.

7) You tend to have older friends

Another distinctive trait of being an old soul is often seen in the company you keep. You might find that your circle of friends skews older than your actual age. 

This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s about finding a match for your level of maturity and depth of understanding. 

Even as a child, I remember gravitating towards friends in higher grades, drawn to their more mature conversations and perspectives. 

Now, as an adult, this pattern continues. I find myself connecting effortlessly with people even several generations older. 

It’s intriguing how, despite the age gap, we find common ground in our ways of thinking and viewing the world. Our conversations are enriching, filled with insights and shared understandings, despite the differences in our life stages.

These friendships are not constrained by the typical boundaries of age. They are built on a mutual recognition of similar values, wisdom, and depth of thought.

This ability to connect across generations is a hallmark of an old soul, seeking connections that nourish their deep-seated maturity and understanding.

Living as an old soul

If you’ve recognized yourself in any of these habits, it’s likely that you’re navigating life as an old soul. 

These traits aren’t just quirks or preferences; they’re reflections of a deep, seasoned perspective shaped by experiences beyond your years. 

Embracing this identity can bring a profound sense of understanding and purpose to your journey. 

Remember, being an old soul is a unique gift – it allows you to see the world through a lens of wisdom, connect deeply with others, and appreciate the richness of life in ways that others might overlook. 

Cherish these qualities, as they make your path through life uniquely enriching and fulfilling.

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