7 wise phrases that will make you sound like an old soul

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | January 29, 2024, 9:35 pm

Ever heard the saying ‘old soul in a young body’?

There’s something captivating about those individuals who just exude wisdom beyond their years. These are the folks who, without fail, always have the right words at the right time.

But here’s a secret.

You don’t necessarily have to be an old soul to sound like one. Sometimes, it’s just about knowing the right phrases to use at the right time.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to pepper your conversation with age-old wisdom, this article’s for you.

Who knows? You might just surprise yourself at how naturally these expressions flow from your lips. And hey, you might even impress your friends with your newfound wisdom!

Remember:

Life isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living wisely. So let’s dive in and explore these timeless phrases together!

1) “This too shall pass”

Let’s start with a classic.

A phrase as old as time and one that carries a powerful punch of wisdom. It’s often used during challenging times to remind us of the transient nature of life – both the good and the bad.

When you find yourself in a tough situation, remember this phrase. It serves to remind us that no matter how difficult things seem, they are temporary.

On the flip side, it also encourages us to savor the joyful moments, knowing they, too, are fleeting.

So next time you’re in a conversation and someone is going through a hard time or perhaps even celebrating a joyous event, drop in a “this too shall pass”.

You might just offer them some comfort or perspective they really needed.

2) “Actions speak louder than words”

This is a personal one for me because, quite frankly, it’s been a life lesson.

I remember promising my younger sister I’d attend her school play. I kept assuring her, “Of course I’ll be there!” But when the day came, I got caught up at work and missed it. My words of assurance meant nothing compared to the action of not showing up.

From that day forward, I realized that it’s easy to make promises but fulfilling them… that’s where the real value lies.

So when you’re in the middle of a conversation and someone is all talk and no show, remember this phrase. 

It’ll remind both you and them that our actions are a true reflection of our intentions and commitments.

3) “The early bird catches the worm”

This is one that’s been ingrained in me since childhood, but it wasn’t until my first job that I truly understood its profound wisdom.

As a fresh graduate, I was eager to make a good impression. I thought working late hours would demonstrate my dedication.

But my boss, an old soul himself, saw through this. He shared this age-old phrase with me and explained that starting early gives you a head start on the day.

So, I heeded his advice and started coming in earlier. Not only did I get more work done without distraction, but I also left work at a reasonable hour, giving me time for myself. It was an eye-opening experience.

Now, when I find myself advising someone who’s trying to juggle too much or feeling overwhelmed, I share this nugget of wisdom.

4) “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”

This old saying is a metaphor for not putting all your resources or hopes into one plan or goal because if that fails, you lose everything. It’s a reminder to diversify and spread your efforts and investments.

Think about it. When you’re planning a trip, do you only have one means of travel? Of course not.

You have backups – maybe a train ticket if the flight gets canceled, or perhaps another route if the road is blocked.

It’s the same with life.

5) “Rome wasn’t built in a day”

This well-known saying emphasizes the need for patience when undertaking big tasks or pursuing ambitious goals. And it’s as valid today as it was back in medieval France, where it first surfaced in the 12th century.

The phrase is a nod to Rome’s grandeur – a city renowned for its architectural marvels, culture, and history.

But all of this didn’t happen overnight. It took centuries of meticulous planning, hard work, and perseverance to build Rome into the majestic city we know today.

So when you’re in a conversation with someone who’s impatient or disheartened because their big plans aren’t coming together quickly, remember this phrase. 

It can be a gentle reminder that great things take time.

6) “You can’t judge a book by its cover”

I recall once meeting someone at a conference who, at first glance, seemed rather unimpressive. They were dressed casually, almost out of place amidst the sea of suits. I must admit, I was quick to underestimate them.

However, when they spoke, they commanded the room with their profound insights and innovative ideas. It was a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving.

Now, whenever I catch myself making snap judgments based on appearances or first impressions, I remind myself of this wise phrase.

Use it in your conversations too, especially when discussing people or situations. It’s a gentle nudge towards understanding and empathy.

7) “The best things in life are free”

In a world where wealth and material possessions are often seen as markers of success, it’s easy to forget that some of the most valuable things in life don’t come with a price tag.

Love, friendship, health, nature – these are gifts that money can’t buy.

So, when you’re engaged in a conversation about success or happiness, remember to drop this wise phrase. It offers a gentle reminder to appreciate the simpler, priceless things in life.

Embracing your inner wisdom

If you’ve found resonance in these phrases, it’s proof that wisdom is not just for the aged.

Wisdom is about perspective and understanding. It’s about patience, resilience and recognizing the simple truths of life. It’s about real conversations that leave lasting impressions.

Now, as you carry these phrases in your pocket of wisdom, remember to use them judiciously. Remember, these aren’t just phrases to drop into conversations to awe others with your depth. They’re reflections of a mindset, a way of life.

Use them as gentle reminders for yourself, and share them when they’re genuinely needed. Let them guide your path and shape your conversations.

As the famous philosopher Socrates once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living”. So, examine your words, your actions, and your thoughts. Let these wise phrases seep into your everyday living.

In time, you won’t just sound like an old soul – you’ll be living as one. And that’s the real beauty of this journey.

Here’s to embracing our inner wisdom and nurturing our old souls!