Ever since I was very young, people have told me that I’m an “old soul.”
I’ve taken this as a compliment most of the time. Surely it must mean I am wise, that I am mature, that I am somehow above all you young soul people.
And yet, some days I really think this cutesy phrase is code for JESUSKIDAWHOLELOTOFSHITHASHAPPENEDTOYOUANDTHATSUCKS.
Or maybe it’s code for,
HOLYHELLTHEUNIVERSEHASSOMETHINGAGAINSTYOUDOESN’TIT?!
Yup, it’s true.
Sometimes I get SO TIRED of the Universe kicking my ass teaching me lessons about life in a way that is usually life threatening to me, my family, or my friends.
I want to scream back at the Universe, HEY THANKS FOR THE LESSONS BUT I’M ALL SET NOW! YOU CAN LAY OFF THE SWELL TEACHING METHODS NOW!
Did you hear me Universe? I was internet screaming at you.
But no, the Universe is striking again. A friend. And I can’t look this friend in the eye and say “wow, you are so much stronger than this,” because I know I am full of it. They already know how strong they are. They don’t need me to wrap up a cliche and hand it to them, because it only serves to make me feel better – not them. And I know that it’s likely that this friend has also been told they are an “old soul” their whole life, too.
And what old soul really means sometimes, is that the Universe can dish it out, and you’ll take it. And you will kick butt and take names. You won’t crumble.
But that doesn’t make it easy. And it doesn’t make it okay.
But you? You know you are. You got this. And I’ll back you up all the way.
Oh boy. I just made a connection: "old soul" = "strong yin" My acupuncturist told me the latter: "You have strong Yin, as evident by your large tongue. That means you can take a lot". Great. Being able to take a lot before breaking doesn't make it any easier when the universe heaps shit on us, does it?
Sending hugs and warm thoughts to you and your friend.
I'm popping over from SITS! Hope you have a great day and that you and your friend get things all worked out! 🙂
I bet your strength will help them through!
I think that is an awesome philosophy – old souls can definitely take the crap the Universe hands out. I hope your friend emerges stronger.
I know what you mean. I do believe we will survive what we are handed because we have to. No other choice. I feel for you. I have friends who have taken more kicks to the ribs than I believe they deserve. Their strength astounds me. I have a feeling your friends feel the same way about you.
I never thought of old soul that way. But, it makes sense!
I do believe old souls are given more adversity because they can handle it. This time around they have chosen to take the harder path because they are almost done. But that isn't much comfort when you are in the middle of the mess. I hope this latest challenge passes quickly for you and your friend.
I'd like to tell ya maybe you two should just find a way to team up and kick some ass back!
The thing is when the universe was kicking mine I never could figure out how 🙂
I'd like to tell ya maybe you two should just find a way to team up and kick some ass back!
The thing is when the universe was kicking mine I never could figure out how 🙂
Sounds like your friend is amazing to count an old soul as having her back. Maybe with your help, you can both teach the universe a lesson this time. Well wishes to your friend.
Good way to think of an old soul! Great post!
I really need to find another adjective besides excellent so you won't just think, "Oh she's just sayin that". Let me get my thesaurus right now. Lemme seeeee, uh okay – well I like excellent the best!
I've been told I'm an 'old soul' too. I'd rather be a 'young soul' any day. Maybe they have it easier?!? Sometimes, I'm tired of the Universe picking on me. I'd like a break. Is it okay to ask for a break??? You want to go on a break with me? And maybe your friend too? I think we have that right. To ask anyway. Maybe it's better to ask in a group.
Oh this is so me and yes, at this point I do think "Old Soul" is code for "wow, you've been through a ton of crap and it just keeps on coming doesn't it?"
Sigh.
As one old soul to another, I love ya!! Hope everything is ok, chicabean!!
I've been told the same thing! My grandma joked with me on my 13th birthday that the candles should be 30. 🙂 I think, though, that it IS a compliment. You actually see struggles as lessons and try to learn from them as best you can. You take life for what it is and don't use it as an excuse or live in denial. Hope everything turns out ok for your friend.
So sorry that the universe is calling on you and your friend to be strong again. Old souls deserve a moment to be young again and worry-free. Thinking of you.
People say that to me a lot too! I always thought it was just a maturity thing… hmmm.
Wow. I don't what to say except I admire the strength in your words. Take no prisoners!
Ugh. I never thought "old soul" could be a term for BEENTHROUGHALOTOFCRAPALREADY. But – I totally hear you. Somedays you just want to ask, why can't I just cut me a break? Eventually… It just has to… It just has to cut you a break. xo girl – and to your friend. I've been there.
I try to steer away from those cliches because, while I do understand the sentiment, they aren't helpful to us old souls. Instead, a simple "I'm here" is usually just enough. I'm sorry for whatever your friend is going through now.