Daydreams: Attitude of Gratitude

One sunny winter day, we took some time out with vegan, writer and all 'round sweet heart, Jade Higgins on the north coast of NSW.

Name:

Jade Higgins

Star Sign:

Capricorn

Hometown:

I grew up in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria - but now call the Northern Rivers home. 

Describe personality in 3 words:

Golden Retriever x 3.

Tell me what you do: 

I write eBooks, make YouTube videos, eat amazing food and spend the rest of my time working at a beautiful crystal scattered property in Mullum. 

Almost three years ago you became a vegan and began a conscious lifestyle. What inspired this change?

Almost four years ago I watched a documentary by the name of "Earthlings" which pretty much rocked my world. I discovered the reality behind my food choices and decided that I couldn't go back to my old ways. 

And how have you changed?

I have definitely become a kinder person. I have discovered the true meaning of compassion & what it is to feel passionate about something. I have learnt more about myself and am more in touch with who I am and my beliefs! 

You’re currently creating your third vegan e-cook book! What can we expect?

It's based around seasonal eating, which is something I really love. Lots of warming winter meals and information on herbs, spices and a bunch of other goodness! I'm really excited to share.

You began a beautiful project called ‘Gratitude is You’ on your Instagram account. Can you tell me more about the project?

In January my nine year old brother, Joshua, passed away. I had been struggling mentally with my grief and I thought I could direct it into a positive thing - thus, I created #gratitudeisyou, which is basically a little tag on Instagram. Over the course of ten days I encourage people to post a photo and caption sharing what they are grateful for. For some people it may be music, their lover, food, the sunset - whatever makes them feel alive! It's beautiful to see hundreds of people coming together and sharing gratitude globally. I feel honoured to be apart of it. 

You believe in the law of attraction and manifestation. Tell me more about this concept.

Wholeheartedly! I am very big on manifestation and believe that what we think, we become. I have received my dream job, a beautiful move, incredible friendships and opportunities...all of which I love to think are a product of the law of attraction. Basically, 8 months ago I wrote down my dream life in fine detail - now I am living it! 

I love that you strive to be honest and authentic with your followers online - sharing both the positive and negative emotions you experience, and encouraging a connection between your followers and yourself. I feel like this is a refreshing change for what we see online today. What’s your opinion of modern day social media?

Thank you so much, I appreciate your words! I feel very, very lucky to be in a position that enables me to connect with a large group of people daily. So I feel it only necessary to share goodness, positivity and truth. I know social media, and media in general can be heavily distorted and false - so I just try to be as truthful and open as I can be. 

I wish more people used their platform to share information and goodness- hopefully that's not too far off! :)

Do you have any role models?

I really admire my parents. I'm so proud of how they have handled themselves in a situation that no human - especially parents, should ever find themselves in. 

And lastly, do you have a philosophy?

Simply, be kind!

You can follow along with the #gratitudeisyou project over on @theadventuresofjade

Photography & Words by Billie Edwards
Clothing by Tree of Life