Why Childhood Joy, and Friendship, Still Matters in Adulthood
Remember these when you were a kid? They came in bright colors, especially those screaming yellow ones. I suppose they didn’t actually call them “screaming yellow,” but they might as well have.
They were sturdy too. You could stomp on puddles, rocks, and mud, and they would take it all. Every kid should have screaming yellow rain boots. Oh, to be a kid again and feel that freedom—getting dirty without a care in the world.
One of the things adults miss out on is getting dirty, unless you do the Tough Mudder 5K challenge. Have you heard about this? This is much more than rain boots. You run through electrical shock wires, climb the Mudder Horn, plunge into the Arctic, and scale the Monster, to name just a few obstacles.
What is the point of all this? To make it all the way through, you have to be intense, in great shape, and either know a friend or make one, because some obstacles require cooperation. At the end, you may be exhausted and covered in mud, but you will hug your buddy and talk about doing it again next year.
Just like splashing in the rain with your yellow boots is more fun with a buddy, so is Tough Mudder. Where else do you need a friend?
Friends are the rain boots of life. They protect us from harm. They have fun with us. They keep us safe. And they are a bright spot in our lives.
Take a moment and reflect on your friends.
One of my friends is an excellent protector. She sees ahead and prepares for what will come next. As she sees me in the present, she knows exactly what I need to be considering, preparing for, or researching. I am grateful for this forward‑looking friend.
One of my friends is pure fun. She loves to laugh and recall old stories that bring smiles. She sends funny things to my phone and knows just when I need a laugh.
One of my friends is cautious and researches things I might otherwise overlook. That information has saved me more times than I can count.
One of my friends seems to be in a good mood no matter what. She finds humor in unexpected places and carries a sense that all struggles have a purpose for my benefit.
These are the people I would love to put on big yellow rain boots with and go splashing around.
For more reflections on friendship, emotional well‑being, and the psychology of connection, explore articles on Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.
If you are exploring your own support system or seeking deeper emotional clarity, therapy can help you understand the role relationships play in your life. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that strengthen emotional resilience and meaningful connection.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
