For a few minutes, I felt as though I was transported into a tropical forest when in reality, I was just a few miles from my house. I forgot how happy the outdoors, fresh air and experiencing all nature has to offer makes me. While I was excited to have discovered this awesome new trail to bring my family back to, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in myself. 

I see so many pictures of people on social media with beautiful geographically specific backdrops and I always feel this little pang of jealousy. I imagine how beautiful it would be to live by the beach along the coast. Or out west by the mountains. Surely I would do all the coolest things if I lived there, right?

I never stopped to think about all of the beauty surrounding me every day. I got caught up in the whole “you always want what you can’t have” trap and realized that I have wasted far too much time not taking full advantage everything available to me.

I’m usually hypersensitive to the detriments of comparison when it comes to the body. I see people giving up on themselves, their fitness and their nutrition all the time because they aren’t able to achieve a certain weight or look a certain way. 

I didn’t fully realize until that moment that I had been throwing in the towel on my city because it wasn’t everything I was dreaming of. Turns out, once I got my head outta my ass I was able to see that it’s pretty dang awesome.  

Sorry, Pittsburgh!

Anyway, the point of this post (aside from the always applicable reminder to recognize and celebrate the strengths and the beauty within you, your loved ones and your surroundings) is to share a kick-ass, tasty treat. While I was immersed in my local tropical rainforest, developing a new love for this city, I also developed a craving for coconut.

It took everything in me not to grab a coconut candy bar on my way home. Instead, I whipped up a healthier version when I got home.

Check it out!