Old Soul

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.