old soul

10 Signs You’re An Old Soul

Do you feel older than you really are? You could be an old soul.

About 10% of the world’s population is made up of them. And, if you aren’t an old soul yourself, you’ve most likely met one.ย  An old soul emanates warmth and enlightenment, using their wisdom and patience to teach the lessons that were passed down through the ages.ย  They present themselves as special types of people in our world. They see through ancient eyes and understand through an ancient heart.

An old soul’s outlook on life is far different and more mature than many others. They are vital to the evolution of our collective consciousness.ย  Old souls have experienced lifetime after lifetime, and have refined their inner wisdom through their dealings with Karma.ย  As a result, the old soul lives life internally, following a solitary path while illuminating a path for others at the same time.

If you’ve been told that you’re wise beyond your years, you may be an old soul, but if you’re not sure whether your soul is “old” or not, these 10 signs will tell you:

10 Signs You May be an Old Soul

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” – Swami Vivekananda

1.ย  You travel an independent path.

Because old souls are disinterested in the pursuits and interests of people in their age groups, they find it difficult to make friends with people they can’t relate to. This can turn into a potential problem, as an old soul may find themselves alone often. But, many old souls see the true value of their own company. This introverted nature doesn’t really come from a social preference or temperament โ€“ it’s simply a sign of having an old soul.

2. You thirst for knowledge, wisdom, and truth.

The old soul is naturally attracted to intellect, wisdom, and philosophy.ย ย  To an old soul, frivolous, superficial lifestyles have little or no meaning or value. That’s because their own path toward enlightenment comes through wisdom, happiness, and truth.

3. You are spiritually inclined.

The old soul has been finely tuned into their intuition and greater guides.ย  This can have the effect of creating heightened senses both spiritually and emotionally as they realize their place in life.ย  An old soul prefers this life however, knowing that it is most fulfilling for them to pursue love, enlightenment, and peace.

4. You didn’t “fit in” with children your age.

If you got along with adults as a child more than you did other children, you may very well be an old soul.ย An old soul isn’t as absorbed in the interests of others in their age group and therefore find it more difficult to make friends with them, which can sometimes be problematic for them because they can feel like an outsider.

Others often misunderstand these folks.ย  For instance, adults may have just considered you to be shy or awkward with other children your age. However, your inquisitive, mature, and intelligent nature attracted you toward people older than you that display more intelligence and wisdom than those in your age group.

And if you are a parent of a child who responds better when around adults, you may come to realize that they too are an old soul.

5. You reflect often on your inner thoughts and feelings.

Old souls have learned many lessons through their spirit cycle that they often take time to reflect on their actions and the actions of people around them.ย  This ability serves as a great teacher in their life, and in turn, makes them clearly perceptive of their surroundings.

“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear” – Daniel Defoe

6. You see the bigger picture.

Like a small cog in a big machine, old souls realize that they are a small, but integral part of life.ย  They see from a higher perspective when approaching life, realizing that they are one with all that is as they aim to align themselves, and their actions, with that of the highest good.ย  As troubles confront the old soul, they simply see each as a passing cloud that will only reveal the sun once more.ย  This helps lead them through life with a placid nature.

7. You act as a voice for humankind.

Old souls often act as a representative for mankind through their own creative expression.ย  They depict the mental activities of society through the liberal arts, giving a voice to the thoughts of culture as a whole.ย  Throughout history, many sages have connected us through a depiction of their visualization in the most creative ways.

The old soul finds fulfillment in this self-expression. Their creativity, knowledge, and intuitive nature make an impact on those they meet and ripple through humankind.

8. You understand that life is short.

An old soul always finds itself being reminded of mortality, that this physical realm is only temporary. They make the most of each moment. Although this can drive the old soul into withdrawal, they receive clarity from inner solitude and increasing detachment. They feel the inner desire to be a prophetic voice teaching others to respect and value their time.

9. You arenโ€™t materialistic.

The old soul focuses more on the beauty and value that life naturally provides rather than the short-lived joys of material possessions.ย  They respect Mother Earth and strive to get by with only what they need for fulfillment. For them, what nature provides is far more valuable than any social status, the latest trends, or any unearthly matter.

10. You just โ€œfeelโ€ old.

As you quietly walk your path seeking fulfillment, you may find yourself having little energy compared to the younger souls around you.ย  Much like a person who is old in age, your old soul has already experienced a lot and is not excited by the trivial things in life. To an old soul, relaxing in a calm, quiet setting is about as good as it gets.

Are you an old soul?ย 

Share how this list relates to your life in the discussion below.


Comments

117 responses to “10 Signs You’re An Old Soul”

  1. WOW! I’ve always felt my soul is more than just my present being, but I didn’t known what this was feeling is…Old Soul! I must keep this old soul in me healthy and prepared to keep moving on. I love this old soul in me! I know it is a strong old soul! When the time comes, may this old soul live on!

  2. Vaishali Avatar
    Vaishali

    Yes all signs fits to me.from my childhood I feel my thinking are much ahead and older to my age….

  3. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    I have often felt that time alone was so valuable and I was “seeking” for something. Knowledge? I’m not sure. But somehow this seems to fit. I may not be an old soul, but I feel like one very often.

  4. Tommy S. McNabb Avatar
    Tommy S. McNabb

    This gets into a belief that I have but don't often share until I really KNOW a person. Yes I believe in "old souls" but possibly in a way not mentioned here.

  5. Yes, I do feel like an old soul as I am spiritually inclined. Two books of my True Love: The Lotus Sutra and Thiaoouba Prophecy.

  6. EDWARD BOZIANA Avatar
    EDWARD BOZIANA

    I think i may also be an old soul coz i like socializing with older people than and they always tell me that am too wise for my age.but i also have a terrible temper may that be the problem?

  7. yes I think might be very sensitive see the bigger picture realize life is short creative

  8. Rose Olazcoaga-Bowen Avatar
    Rose Olazcoaga-Bowen

    Oh that explains it. Cause i only have one true friend and shes an older woman of 57. I feel like i dint belong here in this time. I was always seeking and still am seeking higher knowledge. I love to read,. I got 8 out of 10 questions that apply to me.

  9. I was created to battle in an ancient war.

  10. Lynn Walker Avatar
    Lynn Walker

    For years I always believed something was wrong with me because I experienced the world and life so differently than my family did and differently than children my own age did….I was an outsider wondering why the world was so harsh when it seemed so easy to be soft and kind. Because I could actually feel what others were feeling before they even knew what they were feeling, I would become energetically overwhelmed very quickly. I began to avoid places with big crowds. Finally, after years of extreme health and pain issues, I received an answer as to why my life seemed to be such a struggle. Embracing this knowledge, learning even more about intuition, empathy, and consciousness, I have found my place here! I am blessed and so grateful. Miracles unfold themselves to me every day! I can now open myself up to learn from all of you….for this, I am thankful and at peace.

  11. YIP, it is me, and yet so often I hear… "get out of your head and stop pre-empting…" but that is just who I am…. and I LOVE me for ME..!!!

  12. I could relate to all of the points and especially the independent path, I feel like nature calls me

  13. Being an old soul is an amazing and wonderful journey to live. we can help so many people just by being in their presence. I love being an old soul cause my journey has never been boring. Love to all…. blessings

  14. Dennis Jahzino Avire Avatar
    Dennis Jahzino Avire

    i see myself,i feel myself,and it's not a weird coincedence..they saw it and they told me,I'm way passed my time..each day i come to term with that reality,sometimes i feel it's more about spirituality..yes I Am,an Old Soul.

  15. wether its true or not, i feel exhausted in everything i do because i see it as pointless and would rather sit under a tree on the grass and observe what earth has to offer.

  16. High and sight it was a very difficult and turbulent childhood but the light is brighter now. Ironically as the light becomes brighter, I do find myself walking the path of solidarity often but feel almost drawn towards a higher purpose.

  17. Judy Fox Hughes Avatar
    Judy Fox Hughes

    Very nice article on Old Souls I have never seen a list of "Maybe's" but I find it helpful for many. I have known for years I was an Old Soul and my Son definitely an old soul. It was nice to know we do help others more than we know! I simply enjoy life!

  18. Phenomenal post, "10 Signs You May Be An Old Soul!" I do believe I fit all 10. One sign that could have been added is the fact that most, if not all, "old souls", or "mature souls" no longer fall for all the religions stories that have been passed down through the ages via 'holy books' written by man, passed off as coming from some unseen, unpredictable, malevolent (based on HIS past macabre history) deity, who has a 'chosen people' for crying out loud.

  19. Old soul fits- now i know where the nickname nana came from

  20. Anetka Wojtowicz Avatar
    Anetka Wojtowicz

    yeah especially the voice for humankind and thirsting for knowledge and truth. wow this is so freaky yet awe-inspiring. if this is real, crap im an old soul?! haha pretty cool

  21. I've known this since I was a very young child. I love it. I am blessed to be an old soul.

  22. Yes this makes total sense to me , I have always made friends and had partners far older , now that I am ageing in numbers , I seem to seek out old souls

  23. Yenom khurmi Avatar
    Yenom khurmi

    Thanks. I may fit in all signs. Feeling a bit special. Does old souls feel emptiness too? I often feel like im done with my life. I don’t regret anything.

  24. Edd Baguio Lagua Avatar
    Edd Baguio Lagua

    I am really an old soul. ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Yep being an old soul is difficult many things we see n feel others don't understand or what we have been thru

  26. I am an old soul
    An old soul I am
    My youthful appearance will deceive you just because you'd never in a million year guess how prepared I am to receive you ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Laurie…I know you meant *soul. Haha, had to laugh at the thought of an old shoe. Sorry! ๐Ÿ˜›

  28. An old soul is an interesting concept. I believe some things apply but not all.. The one good thing is I'm able to see mistakes my kids are making an quickly recognize it an do my best to intercede. ..

  29. Michele Burnett Avatar
    Michele Burnett

    Yes, I've thought I was an old soul for as long as I can remember. My thirst for knowledge is never quenched. I see beauty in everything & everyone. Your pain is my pain. I have many acquaintances, but few friends & most of them are younger. While many things make me "happy", I am happiest when off doing my own thing. I see many of these traits in my 11 yr old grandson & have told him since he was an infant that he had an old soul. We are kindred spirits.

  30. Patrick Allen Avatar
    Patrick Allen

    Sommige van deze dingen kloppen. De meeste eigenlijk….

    Kijk Cindy Olden dit is interesting.

  31. Danilyn Bolivar Avatar
    Danilyn Bolivar

    Yes im an old soul coz those 10 things happens to me

  32. Laurie Hibbett-Runyan Avatar
    Laurie Hibbett-Runyan

    I enjoy being an old sole….I try to share with others that life is a gift….enjoy the little things, like nature! ?

  33. Wendy S. Therieau Avatar
    Wendy S. Therieau

    I was told several years ago by a woman I worked with that I was an old soul. Didn't have a clue what she meant at the time but once I looked it up I realized she was absolutely correct.

  34. Joan Coleman Wyatt Avatar
    Joan Coleman Wyatt

    I have never before seen how I feel put into words. I have always said I should have been born at least 10 years earlier than I was. All of these points apply to me to some degree. We are not alone in our feeling of aloneness…. not loneliness however. Peace and tranquility suit me just fine.

  35. Amber King Avatar
    Amber King

    I have felt as though I am way out of my time since I was young! Didn't usually see things the same way as people my age, and usually still dont. I have said for a long time that I feel like an old soul. And now it makes more sense!

  36. Is there a fed up soul? I think I have a fed up soul. If we just tilt this guys head a bit to the left I'm sure it I would see the resemblance.

  37. I have always felt like an old soul, its amazing when you read things and just say…yup that's totally me. I am happy and blessed to be an old soul. I see more and accept more and live more.

  38. Heaven forbid, this is me lol

  39. BEEN AN OLD SOUL ALL MY LIFE AND I IDENTIFY WITH MY KIDS WHO ARE AND AREN'T;;;;THEY CALL ME FOR WISDOM AND READINGS FOR OVER 4O YEARS

  40. AI have always known that I am an old soul. MY Mother was an old soul so I may have just emulated some of her qualities. Bit I can't imagine living any other way.

  41. Definitely me. Feel blessed to have the intuition of an old soul x

  42. Yes and I am so looking forward to after life and catching up with my parents recently departed xxx

  43. Nhutz Rivera-Basangan Avatar
    Nhutz Rivera-Basangan

    I guess my 8-year old daughter is an old soul. As a parent, how should I raise her?

  44. Aija Arikane Avatar
    Aija Arikane

    It's me.Exactly.

  45. I'm only 20 and I've known for a while I was an old soul, since a good friend of mine's old soul of a mother enlightened me a few years back. I am happy to be one, however frustrating it can be at times. This article was refreshing!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  46. Maria Agro Gallant Avatar
    Maria Agro Gallant

    Sounds like I am an ols soul.

  47. Julie Harris Avatar
    Julie Harris

    my eldest daughter is definatly an old soul, most of this relates to her, i can see and understand what she sees and understands

  48. Rachel Slocum Bibbs Avatar
    Rachel Slocum Bibbs

    All of the above! But I try to lift others around me because I know they are searching too.

  49. Gayle Evans Miller Avatar
    Gayle Evans Miller

    I do feel like an old soul. explains a lot.

  50. I never knew why I was always odd and out of place till now. I thought I was mentally unbalanced but have always being proud of myself for seeing and appreciating things and people around me. I am so glad I have finally found the name of my type and realized there are others out there too. We should have a forum for this

  51. Jennifer Green Avatar
    Jennifer Green

    I've known since I was really young that I have an old soul. I have been told this many times in my life with no prompts or hints…just people recognizing my experience and perspective. I identified with many of these.

  52. Isidro Ovejas Avatar
    Isidro Ovejas

    you are very wrong in the number 10 , because an old soul knows how to appreciate the great things in life , we just get it and don't have to go around all that bullshit , we have a lot of more energy to go around than younger souls, being an old soul is the oposite of an old body.

  53. I have no idea that there's an old soul.. I actually consider my self as an immature person, going to the flow of life. I also have friends which is older than me like 10yrs older than me, and they cannot believe that most of the time i can advise them even at my young age. Now it made me realize I am an old soul and the thing I do value most is Life is short and you can only live once so DO GOOD.

  54. Smyle Strijd Avatar
    Smyle Strijd

    I think one of the things that an old soul has is the understanding and compassion for other people. To have the sight of the other view in life and understand the people, even the ones who make mistakes against them.

  55. Millie Marion Avatar
    Millie Marion

    Oh my goodness…finally i see others out there like me! i have always been the " different " one

  56. I agree being an old soul is very difficult. it's like having a view from the mountain top that you assume everyone else sees, and then you realized your mountain is higher than theirs. unless you know people that are as old as you it's hard to relate to people your own age. but it is really exciting when you do run across another enlightened old soul. its like someone to relate to. kind of like reading Shakespeare when everyone else read comic books, its nice to meet another old soul

  57. Nieves de la Fuente Avatar
    Nieves de la Fuente

    Absolutely me. I feel blessed for it <3

  58. Thank you for linking to our article at the bottom of this, I'm happy to see our work resonated with you ๐Ÿ™‚

  59. O yes i feel as young than an old soul fadeing away is all i get.

  60. I have always said this about myself and no one has ever given me any validation. Thank you so much for explaining this feeling so well.

  61. Lori Ginn-Ong Avatar
    Lori Ginn-Ong

    Yes I relate to this but not to number 10 in anyway….If anything I feel more energised! At a time when others my age are planning retirement….I eventually gave up the day job and now foster teenagers! I am mindful, positive and compassionate and have learned to listen to my inner self for guidance on the right path to take in my life….though I have deviated in the past I am on the path now and very content with where I am heading. Feeling incredibly blessed.

  62. Kathleen Bigsmoke Avatar
    Kathleen Bigsmoke

    people have told me that I have an old soul, but shrugged it off & reading this confirms it

  63. Sue DeKraker Avatar
    Sue DeKraker

    I find that it really help to stay present in the moment you are in. Look around and try to find joy and happiness with what is going on at that moment.

  64. Carmen Johnson Avatar
    Carmen Johnson

    <3 ๐Ÿ™‚

  65. Kristina Martinez Avatar
    Kristina Martinez

    I've known from a young age that I was different from the other kids. I have only older friends and am often alone. I often tell people that say "you're so young" that I'm only young on paper! Sometimes I wish I was like other 35 year olds with all the energy and liveliness… But that wouldn't be me. While I like nice things I'm not materialistic in any way and really see it as a waste of time and money. While u will enjoy it for a while, material things can never truly bring you fulfillment or true happiness. These descriptions fit me to a T!

  66. I have all the characteristics above, I am an old soul without realising this, I always knew I thought and acted different from my peers

  67. Yes and I am content being an Old Soul

  68. I am ,this I know.' see that most pursuits of youth are frivolous and know that we are in a training phase at all times . I pray that we LEARN what life means and respect it, it is fleeting ,an illusion if you will. However,, you think you know a thing ,be open to having that change at any time reality shows itself.

  69. That's a great way to get the peace you seek. I've never been much for teaching just doing. Who cares if others see.

  70. Oh my God ! I truly,truly am an old soul . Unbelievable !!!

  71. I know I'm an old soul….#proud

  72. Much of that applies to mebut I like being this way. Life just keeps getten better

  73. I feel as tho I am an old soul because I understand thing most people do not as for my looks I look years younger than my age

  74. Sarah Gehue Avatar
    Sarah Gehue

    Iam just doing this now and it scares me but not at same time I can see hear and touch I donno what to do cuz iam not wanting to no and see and feel what happens two days befor and I can tell someone what is going to happen a few days from now and I just want to not be able to see the furtur as I must say .. Cuz it's making me feel on repeat everyday and I just no what's happend and I wanna just not no how day by day goes befor it even starts special with my own life and my husbands and children's I can't work around not see or knowing and it's step buy step it's making my life boring cuz I don't wanna see and no what's going happend tomarrow I swear it's like i have done thing and ahhhh just frustrated and hard to explain it's making me worried sometimes

  75. I have many of the signs..I knew nothing of old souls until I read this..sometimes the hard part is being alone but I don't understand..I have many friends of over 30yrs but have always been a loner..

  76. Naiomi Belachew Avatar
    Naiomi Belachew

    Sad but every thing describes me. WOW scary so I am an old soul, now I know why I feel very different from the people my age. I am 28 but everyone who meets me tell me I am way wiser for my age. Now I know why……………

  77. It's nice to be confirmed as an old soul. All of these resonate with me.

  78. I am definitely an "old soul" 10 out of 10. My mother used to tell me "you are older than you are" a lot through my life I felt like I had been here before. #8 explains me perfectly, and the rest also applies, I can't believe how true it all is.

  79. Muhammad Awais Avatar
    Muhammad Awais

    ????

  80. Bobbie Jo Wasabi Avatar
    Bobbie Jo Wasabi

    I often say I should have been born in 46 not 86 and how knows maybe I was born in 46 and died young to only come back while later. ๐Ÿ˜€ I have been told by many I am an old soul and one day it hit me like… Maybe I am an old soul. Doesn't matter either way I am who I am and I love myself. And it sure does feel good to finally be okay with saying that. I love myself and you should love yourself as well!! Live long and prosper my friends ๐Ÿ™‚

  81. Omg! I really am an old soul. Always felt there was something different about me

  82. definitely i am an old soul !!!!…..holds so true to me ……..blessed to have such a different perspective to see the world !!!! yet finding my path of fulfillment…. ;))))

  83. Vishal Ostwal Avatar
    Vishal Ostwal

    I AM!

  84. My soul tells me I have been here before . I am an old soul.

  85. Jackie Os Avatar
    Jackie Os

    I have always known, that I was a didn't fit with the generation I grew up in. I enjoy similar things can find fulfillment in sometimes. Bit, most often then not, I seek out more meaningful relationships, friendships, and careers. All three of those I find a fulfilling passion for. My focus is on my family. Family quality fun and bonding moments. Unfortunately, I haven't found a friend outside of them who shares the same interests. I have friends who I can go dancing with, which is my most desired break away, having a few drinks doing normal things. But none who I would invite over to my home. Those who I would live no closer than 7 hours away from me. The feeling is depressing, the reasoning is logical. So I find some inner peace with reading what explains a big part of who I am, from within. Thanks for sharing.

  86. they are all true of me but its finding which path my old soul wants me to go down that am finding hard at the moment

  87. Yes, I am an old soul, and very independent,at times it can be hard to see things different than others.I consider myself along spirit which also makes for a different life than others.

  88. Its hard to inner-act with people my own age. I have always been the baby of the group!

  89. For my opinion everyone see what i see they ignore because for their own interest of a material things. As i always saying life is so short . Base to my experience in life and awareness of being awake person its my duty to make an effort to make it happened .Thank You

  90. Honesty leads to wisdom which leads to Enlightenment which reveals to myself who i really am. ๐Ÿ™‚

  91. Since I was very young I always said "I don't understand these people"..Have never been able to relate. My son is the same way…he doesn't understand why those around him don't "get it" and it has been really hard on him.

  92. and it is sooo frustrating somtimes! but I just watch …they have their own journey

  93. Debbie Scheeringa Avatar
    Debbie Scheeringa

    I think I might be an older soul but people have looked at my infant son in the eyes and said wow he's an old soul

  94. Margaret Easton Avatar
    Margaret Easton

    I relate to this.

  95. Adam VanCuren Avatar
    Adam VanCuren

    It's really hard.. I often feel more sensitive and caring then most..

  96. Polly Liebe Avatar
    Polly Liebe

    Most definitely

  97. Sree Vidhya Avatar
    Sree Vidhya

    i feel.. i am soo…

  98. I definitely am an old soul. I knew it since I was young. I love it. I am blessed to be one.

  99. Sharran Sandhu Avatar
    Sharran Sandhu

    I couldn't agree with you more … I am tired to my soul is the expression I use often and have promises to keep and miles to go before I finally sleep ๐Ÿ™‚

  100. Yep ,being an old soul is difficult because you see many things others do not see

  101. Oh YES!!! I am truly an old soul

  102. Christina Farrill Avatar
    Christina Farrill

    definitely me

  103. Charlotte Avatar
    Charlotte

    I am 20 years old and I have always felt double that age mentally. All of the 10 signs fit me.

  104. I think I m old soul. but I wanna know how soul is formed

  105. That nine really fits . Thanks . . .

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