Ever since I was the tiniest, little peanut of a child, I have been told that I am an old-soul. I've heard 3 going on 30 and 13 going on 30 all of my life. It's a part of who I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I never could be bothered with things I didn't feel had a purpose. To some degree this is fantastic because, you would think I wouldn't waste my time with trivial things (spoiler: I still procrastinate as much as the next person). In some sense I really don't like to stand still, and I get frustrated when things seem to lead me to a dead end. The lack of progression and moving on lights a fire in me. I like when things are moving along and productive. I feel like I am always working to some end whether it be that deadline or this event. On the flip side this can be extremely infuriating because it's so hard for my "old soul" to settle into something, and I always think that there is so much more I could be/should be doing. Those of us with old souls sometimes have to remind ourselves to stop thinking for a second and put life into perspective.

Here are some hints that you too may be an old soul:

1. You find yourself wanting to make change in your world.

It seems like you will not be happy unless at least a portion of your life is dedicated to improving the world and focusing on the big picture of humanity.

2. You ask so many "why" questions.

You will always seek out the answers to the things that confuse you and never take no for an answer.

3. You have been described as thoughtful and/or introspective.

Sometimes you get lost in your own mind palace. You think deeply about many things that come up or cross your mind, and some of them are harder to let go than others.

4. You might have been a bit of a "bossy" child.

I HATE the word bossy, but--for lack of a better word-- you always had a vision even as a child for how the way things should be executed with meaning, tact, and purpose.

5. You don't find enjoyment in or seek out instant gratification.

Every once in a while, everyone loves instant gratification, but for the most part you'd way rather run the marathon to win the medal. Your hard work and sacrifice is more sweet in the end and worth so much more to you.

6. You give a good bit of advice.

Whether it's chipping in your two cents or hard core advice-giving, you are always around to hear someone's struggles and try to help.

7. You maybe feel like you don't fit in.

Again, everyone, at one point or another, feels like a wallflower, but you're so in your head and goal focused sometimes that "fitting in" or being "cool" is the last thing on your list.

8. You sometimes wonder what life is all about anyway.

You have a yearning to live simply and neatly or maybe even run off into the mountains and become a monk, but you will continually question why life is the way it is.