From a very young age I knew instinctively that the essence of my soul has carried “more life in their years than the amount of years in their life”, so to speak. It wasn’t until I was a teenager until somebody had introduced the term “old soul” to me. I had never heard it before then, but I knew in that moment that they had no doubt described be accurately. I was hungry to know more because upon hearing this, it felt like I had discovered an antidote to my “problems” of not fitting in with my peers. I’ve spent a majority of my life feeling like a alien outsider from planet nobody in the company of my peers. I simply wasn’t interested in what they were doing. I didn’t enjoy going to bars. I didn’t find it exciting, nor did I give in to the "thrill" of damaging my body with alcohol or drugs. I never fancied flings with boys because I knew ultimately that my connection with love lived deeper than just a one night stand. Pop culture was fleeting and boring, and no, god dammit…I haven’t seen that one movie! Reading a book series and frolicking in the fields near my childhood country home was my kind of special place. Less people, more serenity. It is just who I am.

In the spoonfuls of wisdom that arrive with each passing birthday, I have slowly grown into a deep appreciation for the person that I am. Even if that means having the daily habits of a 75-year-old woman in the body of 25-year-old me. I own it well. There are reasons and there is magic when it comes to embracing who you are at a soul level. Below is a glimpse into what it’s like to have an old soul inside of a young body. Are you an old soul?

1. As old souls, we are pleasantly lost in the intricate web of our own thoughts. It is our vivid imaginations that feed and inspire our spirits.

2. The world confuses us and we have a difficult time understanding the current state of affairs. Trying to comprehend the reasons behind "WHY" people act or say things will literally burn a black hole in the center of my head.

3. We are often mislabeled. People sometimes assume that we're rude. Snobby. Superior. Shy. Mean. Uninterested. Whatever. Honestly, we are just absorbing the energy of the room and enjoying ourselves. Come sit down and let's share tea. We can talk about the universe and what makes you cry or something. Stop being weirdly judgemental, k?

4. We are typically the responsible ones in our friend group. We're the designated drivers and the ones who will help hold back your hair so it doesn't fall into the toilet when you're blowing chunks.

5. Many people come to us to talk our their problems and seek advice. Did I mention that we are pretty damn good at giving advice?

6. We tend to relate more to our elders than to our peers. I could literally listen all day long to the stories of times long passed and the words of wisdom that my grandparents have to share.

7. Let's avoid the subject of pop culture. I want to hear about what inspires you. Talk to me about your view on extraterrestrial beings. A book you're currently reading, maybe? Name some of the things that fill you with gratitude to be alive! For the love of God, who is Pitbull!? And stop talking about movies for crying out loud. Please. I. Have. Not. Seen. The. New. Movie. Go. Away. Stop. Talking. Don't. Care. You're confusing me.

8. Our alone time is our personal sanctuary where we come to recharge and reflect. We enjoy the company of ourselves. We like it here.

9. We understand the importance of a regular sleeping pattern. Early to bed, early to rise!

10. A love for vintage clothing/music/pieces. We've lost count how many times we have been told that we've been "born in the wrong era". Give me vintage, give me antique.

11. Being called "young". People who discredit me just because of my age annoy me greatly. Anyone who is an old soul can understand this one.

12. Literally, anything that has to do with pop culture.

13. We get made fun of by our peers for liking certain things that are not of the norm. I like to read the newspaper, drink tea, and talk about my cat. Also, vintage flower skirts with floral patterns that could easily be mistaken as a vintage curtain.

14. People our age probably think that we're boring.

15. But when we finally find someone who we connect with it's amaze balls. It's like a dance party in my heart every single time we hang out.

16. This is what most of us would probably rather do than go out for a night of drinking.

17. Old souls are naturally introverted. As much as we love our friends and families, socializing can be pretty exhausting for us. We still like you, but we just have to recharge ourselves.

18. Modern technology and up to date...things...just don't quite make sense sometimes. We try though. Why email? Let's write letters! #snailmail

19. Most of us are spiritually inclined and are naturally intuitive. Things like meditation, Reiki, and crystal healing are of the norm for us.

20. We can be hyper sensitive and easily emotionally drained. 2pm...time for my nap!

21. Our ability to see deeply into life gives us a rich inner landscape.

22. In the end, if being an old soul makes me an outcast...then that's just fine by me. I will be sitting over here with my knitting needles and my cup of tea.