Living in Cook County while raising kids, I often wonder why people of the same age can feel so different.

Some individuals, even over fifty, still focus solely on competition and success, while others, not yet thirty, seem to have the calmness of someone who has lived a full life.

Then I stumbled upon the concept of young souls and old souls.

The most systematic explanation of this concept comes from Michael Teachings' theory of the stages of the soul (Age).

Here, the stages of soul development are divided into five categories. It's more of a philosophical or self-reflective tool than a scientific theory.

First, the infant soul is, quite literally, in a stage where survival is the most important. The world feels unfamiliar and frightening, leading them to seek a stable environment rather than change. The baby soul stage values rules and order. They find comfort within frameworks like religion, tradition, and morality, preferring a community-centered life.

Next, we commonly see the young soul type. The characteristics of this stage are achievement and competition. Money, success, status, and recognition become significant life goals. In fact, the atmosphere of American society aligns well with this energy. A good home, a good job, a good school district. In Cook County, the conversation heats up whenever school districts are mentioned. Honestly, I was in full young soul mode when I was looking into schools for my kids.

The next stage is the mature soul. From this point on, there is a greater interest in the inner self and relationships. They strive to understand people's feelings and develop higher empathy. However, they also tend to have many worries and emotional ups and downs. People who feel stressed due to relationships fall into this category.

Finally, there is the old soul. This stage is characterized by a sense of detachment. Comparing oneself to others holds little meaning, and inner peace becomes more important than social success. Experiences are valued over possessions, and balance is preferred over competition. From the outside, they may seem to lack ambition, but in reality, they have a clear sense of their own standards.

The interesting thing about this concept is that it prompts us to think of the people around us.

At PTA meetings, it's easy to spot who the young souls are. They steer the conversation towards home prices, school districts, and SAT scores. In contrast, some individuals say that as long as the kids are happy, we shouldn't stress them out. Those people give off a bit of an old soul vibe.

I also reflect on myself. When discussions about kids' grades arise, I feel anxious, which suggests that I still have some young soul traits. However, at some point, my perspective shifted slightly. Where I once felt a strong need to be ahead of others, these days, I find that as long as my family is comfortable, that's what matters most to me.

This concept is somewhat similar to the reincarnation beliefs in Hinduism and Buddhism. It suggests that the soul grows through multiple lives. The term "soul age" is also frequently used in New Age circles. Of course, it's not a scientifically proven theory. Rather than a matter of belief, it can be seen as a perspective for understanding people.

Life often brings stress due to other people.

Why are they so greedy? Why are they so sensitive? When I think of this concept, it brings me a bit of peace. Ah, that person is currently in the young soul stage. Or that person is a mature soul, so their emotions run deep. Thinking this way leads to understanding rather than judgment.

The winters in Cook County are long, and people's hearts tend to turn inward. During such times, I reflect on myself rather than evaluate others. What stage am I in right now? And what kind of person do I want to become in the future?

Perhaps the standard of an old soul isn't about grand realizations but rather about not comparing oneself to others. Choosing peace over anxiety. And having the leisure to enjoy life rather than compete.

Now that I'm forty, I understand a bit more. What's more important than success is not speed but direction. And perhaps we are all continuously aging our soul age little by little.