Howdy folks! It’s officially Let Your Hair Down Friday again on the blog, so it’s time to let loose on my rants and raves for the week. Warning: This is my one post of the week where I write what I want, no holds barred. If you are easily offended, strongly judgemental, or would prefer to keep a more pristine viewpoint of me- then STOP reading.

Okay, first topic on the block: 420. Yep, it’s every stoners favorite time of the year. (Out of the loop, see here: http://parentingteens.about.com/cs/marijuana/a/420meaning.htm ) Let me tell you a bit of my view on marijuana. I am not a pot smoker, but I have quite a few friends and family that are. Having extensively studied drugs & alcohol, and working closely with clients who struggled with it, I decided as a personal choice that it just wasn’t right for me. Now, that doesn’t mean I sit in judgement of others who do. In fact, I believe it should be legalized. Yep, I just said that. Based on research, marijuana is not as bad as some people make it out to be. In fact, if it were legalized and regulated, the country could find a strong source of revenue through taxes &&&& save money because they would no longer have to house so many drug offenders. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana generally does not lead to harder drugs. It is really not the gateway drug people fear it to be. In fact, in countries where it is legal or accepted, the percentage of those who move on to harder drugs is much lower than in America where marijuana is demonized. People want what the controlling force tells them they can’t have. Now imagine how many people would smoke weed if it were legal. Based on legalization of other substances, the initial number would increase, but then it would slowly drop down. In the long run, legalization could actually lead to less hard core drug use based on observances of the other countries.

Then there are the anesthetic & medicinal benefits to cancer & glaucoma patients. In places where medicinal marijuana is allowed, the patients report a greater occurrence of happiness and satisfaction. Don’t laugh at the obvious.

Like I said, my personal choice is to avoid any substance that might inhibit my mental functioning, but I refuse to judge others who make that choice. In fact, I support their right to make their own decisions as long as they don’t harm others.

Now let me get into the things that get me high that don’t require illegal or illicit substances, and actually provide clarity not cloudiness for my mind:

1.) God

Yep, for me, focusing on the power of God takes me to higher place. Whenever I am in the trenches battling the next attack, I turn my faith to God who is stronger than it all. With my faith, I overcome.

2.) My kids

When I spend time with my kids, and look at the world through their eyes, I can’t help but feel elated. They have so much energy & their view of the world is a lot more pure than ours, which is roughly tempered through time.

3.) My husband

My husband & I share this freakishly uncanny connection where we can almost read each other’s minds. Sometimes this can be a pain when I am up to no good. However, when I am behaving myself, which is most of the time, I get an excellent buzz off of the moments when we share our thoughts without speaking a word.

4.) My business

Okay, so I have to be careful with this one. While I aspire to be a hardworker, I do not aspire to be a workaholic. I get excited when something really awesome happens in my business. My business allows me the opportunities to reach so many people and I enjoy what I do. In fact, there are many times when I get to do some very fun things for my business.

5.) Good Food

Another area to be careful with. Overreating is not what makes me high. Enjoying healthy & delicious food, in the portions I need, makes me feel energized. Food can commonly be associated with emotions & feelings you experience with family, friends & significant others. (It’s why some people overeat after a breakup.) Now if you focus on eating what you need, eating things that taste good, and eating with others you share a connection with, you should feel a realy healthy high.

I’d like to say exercise, but that would be a lie. To tell you the truth, I should workout more. I have had an LA Fitness with Kids club membership for almost a year and I have only gone like 4 times. I am told by others that they get a high from it, especially in the mornings. I may have to try that out.

Okay, so now I have to go tend to my kiddies and clean the house because Friday also doubles as cleaning day here at the Lopez household.