An Old Soul

I’m one of them. Cliché, I know. But in saying that, I also know there are many people who will tell you they are old school and yet bear no resemblance to yesteryear or who at the first opportunity to forget the past and become absorbed with only the latest and greatest of anything, they do. Innovation is great, but not at the risk of forgetting the past. I don’t like the modern world any more than any other old soul because in the search of something new, modern society quickly wants to forget about everything that’s old. Great orators, wonderful writers, and the old hits from the radio have been replaced by whatever is popular for the next ten minutes. Perhaps it’s because the old stuff took time--- time to build, time to create, and time to truly appreciate. Apparently taking time to enjoy what life has to offer is simply no longer in style. What a shame.

I’ve always been a little bit different in the way I approach the world and the way I take in my surroundings, or knowledge, or conversation. I want that slow draw of a book or magazine, while sitting on a patio and looking out into a pasture that seemingly never changes. All of the need of rushing through things or surrounding yourself with scores of other people--- I don’t need or want any of that and yet I feel like that is just fine. While not formally labeled as such by any professional, I would say I am an extroverted introvert in that I am quite often seen out and about, but yet prefer to keep to myself. A loner? Probably not. Prefer a more private, subdued life? Absolutely.

I don’t know what it is specifically, I’ve always aligned myself more with the old ways of keeping to yourself, to living a quiet life, to keep a very small circle of trusted people nearby, and that there was no replacement in life for hard work. Look, I don’t know if I am living life the way I’m supposed to or if I’m doing it right, but I’m doing it the best way I know how. Many might look at me and tell me that I’ve got it all wrong and that life is meant to be surrounded by as many people as possible and to experience as much as possible. If that’s their experience and desire, then they too are right. We each get to choose our own path and I’ve undoubtedly decided mine.

What I do know for sure is that Porch + Prairie and the places we see are reminders that being an old soul is a compliment. It means that through all the noise in the world, the good things still matter the most. It’s not about who follows who, it’s not about the “look at me” culture we have, and it’s not about creating a massive argument or trying to ruin someone’s life or career just because they don’t share the same opinion as you. Conversely, it means taking care of those you love and that are no shortcuts to the things that matter most.

Do I think some of the things we appreciate the most about the old days will eventually fade away, sure, but let’s not rush them out the door. Appreciate that “old soul” way of life while we still have it, much in the way we cherish loved ones while they are still here. Both will eventually pass, but their memory never should. And if somehow our pages help keep that candle burning just a little bit longer, then I’d say we’ve done our job.