The Life of an Inspiring 85-Year-Old Change Maker! | Something Beautiful for the World

This film is part of the collaborative series 'Something Beautiful for the World'. Watch all the films in the series at • Something Beautiful fo...
Is there an age at which you stop being an activist for change? Not according to Helen Dew!
In fact, Helen’s activism didn’t even begin until she was in her 60s. Back then, she was introduced to a woman who was campaigning to change the fragile and problematic global financial system. When Helen understood what the issues were, she realised, “Now I know what to do with my life.”
Our money system is integral to how we live our lives and the impact we have on each other and our planet. A lifelong gardener and an innately frugal child of the Great Depression, the concept of living simply is second nature to Helen. But as the world around her has become less and less ‘simple’ her passion has grown ever greater to educate her community about why we benefit from growing our own food, saving our own seeds, taking care of our water and other resources - and how all of these things are linked to the money system that dominates and impacts our lives.
For Helen, a key element in building personal and community resilience is in building quality soil. From making biochar for her compost to petitioning the local council to create a natural burial park, she has worked tirelessly in so many ways to contribute to her community and to the planet. She is truly Something Beautiful for the World!
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The films of the series "Something Beautiful for the World" explore how small acts of love and kindness have the potential to ripple out and change the world, touching hearts and minds in ways that we could never begin to imagine. We'll be sharing a total of 12 short films, from across five continents - releasing one per month for the whole year of 2024 - four from each filmmaker.
More info about the three production companies below:
Happen Films
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Visit our website: happenfilms.com/
Support us on Patreon: / happenfilms
Campfire Stories
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Reflections of Life
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Support us on Patreon: / reflectionsoflife

[@kristinLB]

I wish the world was a beautiful lovely place where we all worked together, and grew our own food and revered our elders, and taught in school things like caring for elders, loving ourselves, growing our own food, the importance of community and kindness and simplicity.

[@helendew5333]

Yes, it would be wonderful if the whole world was as you describe. All we can do is help create such a world in our local environs. Actually, that is the world we live in!

[@kristinLB]

@@helendew5333 it all starts inside each one of us. Peace begins with me! ❤️

[@helendew5333]

We weave the world we live in day by day, through our thoughts, actions, and the relationships we form with one another.

[@allthingznatural5592]

Amen!

[@kerryalbritton6532]

This too is my hopes and dreams... I am a Gardener and want to instill it not only in family but others as well. What a Beautiful woman. I pray that I will be like her when I am 85 🙏💛🙏

[@kimberlykernehan1937]

I want to be just like her when I grow up (I am 59). What a truly wonderful, intelligent, caring woman! May you have many more years of enjoying your gardening!

[@helendew5333]

Thank you for your kind comments. Whilst you might wish to be like me, you'll develop into your best self by living each day with passion and purpose.

[@spiritflower6640]

Me too!! Thank you Happen Flims for beautifully sharing this inspiring person and her story. I feel a fresh wave of inspiration and motivation fill me. What a marvelous path she walks and teaches from🙏😊

[@susandean8584]

I’m 59 as well and I agree. She is a beautiful human.

[@maryr7593]

My 75-80 yr old aunts/uncle mentioned that they had to give up gardening because bending over was too difficult. I bought them a few raised beds that are shallow but high enough (@4ft) so they don't need to bend over and could sit by the bed to pull weeds, etc. They ended up enjoying the beds and planting tomatoes in flower container pots, etc. They still seem to enjoy it...esp since the prices of fresh veg have gone up so much.

[@tavascarow]

What a beautiful and inspiring woman. A wonderful uplifting life. Frugality isn't only about not wasting resources, it's about not wasting time as well. And Helen shows us how. Thank you.

[@naturesteward2205]

Helen, you remind me of a Master Gardener I worked with for many years and now count as a wonderful friend. She too is in her mid-eighties and wants to teach the world about the rewards of gardening, food security, the beauty of art. While also teaching people to look up and not always at the ground and be humbled by our world. Her name is MaryLu and she holds many classes and hosts people at night for stargazing. You are in a group of very special people. Thank you for your inspiration to all those around you.

[@CanadianPermacultureLegacy]

When I die, I see no greater honor than to have an oak tree feed on my body. One day the molecules that make up "Keith" will live for hundreds of years inside an old oak tree - God willing.

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

why an oak? do those grow well in your part of the country?

[@kristinLB]

My mom is buried under a massive oak tree. I love to go sit under it on a warm evening.

[@nancykelly9393]

I wish it were easier here in the United States. I would like to be buried in my niece's forest.

[@discoverFigureitout]

I want to be buried in a chicken cage so they can eat me and turn me into eggs that someone else can eat

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

I requested that of my family, and they told me, "That's against the law." 😢

[@a.wilcox5690]

I see that she was harvesting chard she had grown. I am 66 and today I harvested chard & kale to make a lovely frittata for Easter Sunday. I wish she were my neighbor.😊

[@helendew5333]

Frittata is such a healthy meal, especially if the greens are freshly harvested and the eggs are free range.

[@allthingznatural5592]

I am 59 and this is how it was when I was a kid. Learning and listening to wisdom for old folks! These young kids today don't know the value of listening and hanging around and learning how to survive in this world from the elderly? They are drunk on social media!

[@thisorthat7626]

@@allthingznatural5592 Please remember that it is social media that brought us Helen's story. Like anything in life, it can add value when used correctly. Blessings.

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

@@thisorthat7626 Used in a positive way it is a great tool.

[@gardenbun]

I just retired at 58 (I started my career at 20) and I have been feeling 'old' and not sure what I want to do next. YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME SO MUCH I"M CRYING. I am relocating and moving to another place and I cannot wait to start growing my own veggies. You reminded me it's not over til it's over. You are an amazing human being!

[@SIERRATREES]

I feel the same as you. I wish peace and hapiness on your journey.

[@gardenbun]

@@SIERRATREES Thank you!

[@Lherminewhite]

58 ans vieux ??? N'importe quoi!!

[@gardenbun]

@@Lherminewhite You are kind and you made me smile and laugh. But I do miss the unbounded energy I had (we had) in younger years (not to mention taut skin)!

[@michellecooper9207]

What an inspiration Helen is! ❤ I absolutely loved watching this.

[@janetbransdon3742]

What an awesome lady. I turn 70 next month and have been working towards self sufficiency since moving to the country, best move I have ever made. Never too old to start. 😊❤

[@Ka-ly8oi]

With what you are saying, you give me more courage do move to the country at 64 oder 65...I have always dreamt of a garden. Love from Germany

[@liligoodchinesevoice]

This clip really moves me to tears. Best wishes for this grandma.

[@tyffanyhowardfilms]

Beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for these heartwarming stories.

[@betterwithwings]

Omg this lady lives 3O mins from me. I had no idea. She’s so onto it. God bless x

[@thisorthat7626]

I hope you can meet her one day and learn more about her philosophy. We need to pass it on to younger generations. Blessings.

[@desireeflaws568]

Absolutely inspirational! Thank goodness for the Helen's of this world.

[@helendew5333]

Thanks very much for your kind comments.

[@teresamexico309]

What a beautiful soul, Helen is!

[@afrinoonpermaculture8484]

Life goal! I want to be like Helen when I am that age. Thanks for sharing her inspiring life story. ❤❤

[@helendew5333]

Become your best self by living day by day with purpose, being true to your values, respecting nature, and forming strong bonds with fellow travelers in this wonderful world.

[@thisorthat7626]

@@helendew5333 Beautifully stated, Helen. Thank you for your wisdom and your love for nature and society. Blessings.

[@reader649]

What a beautiful "old" soul. When she, almost in tears, read that poem I could see so well the two young, absolutely carefree children on a beach building sand castles. It was so poignant and brought back such innocent cherished memories of parts of my "ancient" past. Thanks so much for this lovely portrait of an inspiring fellow inhabitant of our precious world.

[@helendew5333]

Thanks so much for your kind comments. Seems my poem has struck a chord for quite a few people. I'm pleased that it was included in the film.

[@reader649]

@@helendew5333Thank you again Helen for being an inspiration to your community and the world. I wish you a speedy recovery from your fall❤😊

[@sebastienmorand2479]

Thank you Dear Helen Dew (and to Happen Films) for giving me some hope.

[@luisaleonardi666]

This lady is a real treasure❤

[@dddilworth12]

Beautiful! Such a powerful Soul.

[@lindaclifton3729]

Me too Helen. By later years are the best ever. ❤my motto: LIVE LIFE! LOVE ALL!

[@susanc7333]

Beautiful and Inspiring! Thank you.💖

[@rollandjoeseph]

What a wonderful women. I hope to be as productive and busy with projects in the garden when I get to that time in my life!

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for your kind comments. If you're already active and productive just keep on day by day with your interests and passion - and gather others around you to share your journey.

[@irishcottagerenovation9900]

What a wonderful inspiring lady, telling us the good and the bad and still full of hope for her future. Thank you for sharing.

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Thank you for sharing! It’s so uplifting to see like minded people over all oceans… We, 69 and 70, have a tiny garden in a big town in Germany and people can’t believe what we’re growing and sharing: figs, mulberries and a lot of other berries, herbs, peas, beans, cucumbers, salads and 24 different tomatoes from seeds all over the world. The super market is nearby, but as Helen said: fresh from the earth makes a big difference. All our family kids know how food grows. Is that book Helen is reading for the kids available? Love, Monika❣

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Found the Book Second Hand, it will soon be here❣

[@tanyareynolds1960]

Wonderful. Just wonderful

[@LowsonIntl]

A moving and inspiring film. Helen is an endearing soulful woman with a purpose - the epitome of humanity. Thank you for making this important film. - Director, CRY OF THE INNOCENT: The Voices That Can't Speak

[@helendew5333]

Thank you for your kind comments. I will watch Cry of the Innocents when I return from hospital where I'm recovering from a fall.

[@LowsonIntl]

@@helendew5333 Thank you, Helen. So sorry to hear about your fall. Sending healing energy to you. 🙏

[@helendeacon7637]

Simply beautiful and absolutely inspiring. What a resourceful woman! Joy and contentment in living lightly and well. Thank you.💐

[@kimmcpherson8856]

What an inspiring woman. Thank you so much for sharing her story.❤

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for your kind comments. I feel blessed that Happen Films chose to record my story, and that it's being shared so widely.

[@marianfrances4959]

Wonderful to see people listening to a senior...👍😎🇨🇦💜🌿

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for your acknowledgment . I'm pleased that people are keen to learn from me. However, I'm impressed with the wisdom found in many younger people these days. Gretna is one outstanding example.

[@helendew5333]

Gretta!

[@homesteadgal4143]

i really enjoyed listening to Helen Dew and greatly appreciated visiting her beautiful garden. I am 70 and learned over many decades how important the beauty and soul of one's garden is. If one is blessed, that beauty will bring many life lessons. Helen Dew has been fortunate to catch the wisdom of the garden and like all good teachers, she is kind enough to share a peek into her life. Lovely video, thank you.

[@pandecocojam]

She is amazing! A true inspiration ❤

[@nilslang5527]

Could have watched her talking and telling stories for hours on, such a wonderful person and great job, capturing her inspiring story and caracter !

[@mollycorder4892]

Incredible story, what bravery and resilience! ❤

[@uamiable]

I went into terrible depression as well with COVID 🙏 Thank you for your beautiful poem 🏖️ gosh! So beautiful 😍

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for your kind comments. The depression associated with covid is hard to describe. I hope you've made a good recovery.

[@whereisplain]

wow.. the emotions and the character that came through reading her poem.. that was real and pure from the bottom of the heart

[@kaitlinmeadows6273]

Love these beautiful reminders that there are amazing souls adding light and love to our world!

[@helendew5333]

Yes, there are lots of wonderful individuals and groups quietly working away to help make life better for people and planet.

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Thank you for the vlog and so much for the poem. I am in the covid tunnel now and after 4 weeks it's taking it's toll emotionally. Helen your poem made me feel confident that I will get back on my feet and back to my garden and playing with my grandsons. Thank you Nga mihi nui

[@jean6453]

Lorraine I thought the poem was so moving as well. I cried and then I laughed. I hope you feel 100 % very soon.

[@helendew5333]

Hang in there! You will eventually rise above this, but I know it's hard to endure when you're in the midst of this awful illness. Don't be afraid to ask for support - I've found that people welcome the opportunity to assist when asked. Perhaps you have gardeners among your friends?

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

@@helendew5333 Thank you I have friends that are being amazing and my garden is ok and my oasis even just standing watching the birds, I ignore the weeds. Just thank you for your poem, it made a difference just hearing you read it - there is light at the end of the tunnel. Nga mihi nui

[@rosasousa1679]

Thank you for sharing the life of this Lady. So inspiring.👏🇵🇹🥰

[@CraftyHuia]

Thank you Helen. What a superb legacy.

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for your kind comments. I agree - it's wonderful to have this film to pass on to my family.

[@claudiafiedler9226]

Very inspiring story.

[@helendew5333]

Hi Claudia. Thanks for your kind comments!

[@katherineb6102]

Such a lovely person and inspiring.

[@helendew5333]

Thank you for your kind comments. I'm pleased you enjoyed watching the film.

[@Tess-py4dx]

Thank you for this!!! I am so inspired and hopeful, not just for today, but even for the eventuality of my life's cycle. I hope to do the same burial as this beautiful woman. Another amazing video and story!!! Thank you!! --Tess

[@helendew5333]

Hi Tess, thank you for your kind words. I don't know where you live, but do lobby your council if you don't already have the option of natural burial in you area.

[@Tess-py4dx]

@@helendew5333 Thank you Helen. I am researching any laws and requirements now. I had just learned of this not too long ago, and after watching this video, I am even more so interested in this. I told my girls, when I die, just take me to a mountain forest and bury me there. I know that it isn't that simple in today's world, but I never wanted to be in a cemetery. Again, thank you for all your wisdom and giving of hope. --Tess

[@genevieve4418]

Thank you, Helen, for sharing your experience with us. Felt encouraged as I recently started planting a few vegetables on my balcony. Take good care, and God bless.❤❤❤

[@JJNow-gg9so]

May the circle of life continue and may we all help it right along.🥀🌻🥀🌻

[@Mary-mj9mf]

Oh what an inspiring woman! She has opened my eyes xx

[@susandean8584]

What an inspiring human. Bless her heart.

[@helenmcgill5563]

What a wonderful woman. Thanks for sharing her story, you guys are amazing too 👍😀🌻

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for your kind comments. I couldn't agree more - HF is an amazing team - doing really important work!

[@juanbarberis7192]

Thanks, guys, for your leadership & quality work. It makes a huge difference! Wishing you health & abundance! 😀

[@happenfilms]

Thanks Juan - and for your support for so many years!

[@helendew5333]

Yes, I'm so blessed that Happen Films chose to film my story! It will become a family treasure!

[@Handbagqueen23]

I needed to see this today thank you

[@evelynelacelle7557]

So beautiful. Her poem is so touching. ❤

[@caroloshea7830]

Wow, very impressive. Certainly has a green thumb and a sharp mind.

[@dotpeat1372]

This upload should shared as many as possible, starting from education to the entire social media! Exemplary in any/multiple ways! Thank you for sharing.

[@bex28eleven]

OMG WHAT AN INSPIRATION YOU ARE!!! ❤❤❤

[@mojow9841]

Thank you. You are an inspiration Helen, and you have such a joy in living life to the full while accepting that all life is finite.

[@cathleen537]

Thank you Helen.

[@lynettamurdoch5443]

So inspiring! And I learned a little more about gardening and composting.

[@suzannebolt7949]

What a adorable inspiring lady xx

[@christinevano7901]

Thanks!

[@happenfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@vernasinclair2318]

Thank you!💚👍

[@helendew5333]

And thank you for watching! Perhaps you'd like to share with your friends.

[@joer5627]

Thank you Ma’am for your tender heartfelt comments. I am blessed for having listened to you.

[@stephenbcernansky2812]

Thank you. I received so much for her wisdom and truth.

[@larskristiansen9158]

The strongest poem I have heard in a long time

[@helendew5333]

Glad you liked my poem. I guess it reflects the depth of my feeling at that time.

[@dixiepena514]

Beautiful poem,yes,writing and garden or any creative endeavor can help you find your way to the joy of life again.

[@zhiyongwei6692]

Hey, all three of you are awesome film makers. I love what all of you are doing. This is great. Thank you for sharing the amazing stories and the lovely souls.

[@Kara_2505]

Would love to have heared more from Helen. And always great to see people who stay active and keep inspiring others. 💛

[@helendew5333]

Hi Kara. Thanks for your kind comments. I hope to remain active as long as possible. And I'm so fortunate that my brain still functions so that I can continue to encourage others as I become less physically active.

[@juliegriffiths4272]

What a beautiful lady, inspirational Helen I wish I lived closer to you. You could teach me and others so much. The biggest gentlest hug. ❤

[@helendew5333]

I've no doubt there are other 'Helens' all over the world. I hope you discover one near where you live.

[@juliegriffiths4272]

I hope so too Helen. ❤

[@chowe9]

This is indeed inspiring! Thank you so very much!

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deborahrotman328]

I love this woman! Beautiful.

[@nancygould9478]

Thanks for sharing💐We love you Helen Dew keep smiling🌻🍁🇨🇦💐

[@patriciam.909]

I loved your poem to Matilda, it made me cry. You are a beautiful person. My mother's name was Helen.❤

[@AnnaPilgrim]

What an inspiring lady. Thank you for this video 🙏🏻🍀🙋🏼‍♀️

[@SIERRATREES]

Occasionally you come across things that might change your life. This for me, might be one of them. Helen, you are an inspiration. Its an honor to know of you.

[@Jewelmind]

Yes, keep your own seeds

[@nyamekyebey1577]

Just beautiful this warm my harts Thank you for sharing ❤

[@raya7656]

Very inspiring story, i cried and smiled with her, thank you for sharing it❤, love you from Algeria

[@helendew5333]

I'm pleased that you liked my story. Thanks for watching!

[@raya7656]

@@helendew5333 may God give you a long, healthy and blesed life

[@ChristineDuval-cy5ck]

Very wonderful

[@RenAtkins]

What a beautiful and inspirational woman. I’m so glad I was able to hear her story.

[@lb282012]

A beautiful and inspiring film, as always!

[@helendew5333]

I agree, Happen Films make wonderful documentaries!

[@GratefulDeb270]

Beautiful. Thank you ❤

[@LindaDabrowski]

What a lovely and inspiring soul

[@allysonvollmer7223]

wow thank you they were very heartful and made me cry along with em!

[@happenfilms]

That’s nice to hear 😊

[@anniecochrane3359]

Wonderful!! And inspiring because it is doable, for each and all. All the best to you Helen from beautiful Aotearoa

[@cheryltada3057]

Wonderful praise God for these special women. Yes my grandmother was one of them. Mrs Silincy Kharsyntiew of Cherrapunji lived till 93 years and gardening was her passion n hobby!. Though my Granny married to a renowned Doctor Dr. H.C.S.Wahlang could have just lived a comfortable life style. But no my granny after attending house chores went straight to her huge flower and vegetable garden all around Hillside Cottage and tended her flowers etc from morning till evening . This was n is the secret of happiness n long life and she shared all her veggies to all family and friends. Miss her lots but now I am also like her ,I inherited her green thumb and gardening is my passion too. But not in Cherrapunji but Ziro Arunachal my husbands home town.

[@kerang9240]

Amazing Beautiful Human being.

[@allthingznatural5592]

Fantastic and inspiring video! This lady is a gold mine for the youth!

[@Melicoy]

Fantastic. Thank you

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@helendew5333]

Thank you for your kind comments. I'm pleased that 😢you liked the film.

[@jbyrd2516]

Wonderful film thank you 💚😊

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mariehrckavene7253]

This did make me cry in a good way. And thanks Zuzana for Slovak translation, my mom could watch too thanks to it.

[@anitavirginillo]

What a treasure she is! I would love to be neighbours with her and spend time together so she could teach me her ways.

[@conniechapman3896]

Beautiful human, thank you ❤

[@50Noelene]

Beautiful. What an inspiration.

[@krisfahrt5665]

What a wonderful woman ❤ she is pretty amazing 🤩

[@jensterooniam]

thank-you so much

[@helendew5333]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mariahblythen2310]

this has touched me .... Blessed HeLen born in the same year as my own Mother. Since babies my childhood best friend .... played at the beach together with a not a care in the world ...... she later was to take her life. Too gentle & precious for this evil vicious dangerous world Such a worthwhile message in this documentary style interview Thankyou very much HeLen

[@sewdarn2770]

So that’s how you make biochar. So easy on home size scale. Some great tips. So wonderfully shared.

[@garryreed2725]

Beautiful young lady. 85 years young. Made me cry. 🥲

[@zoyailpatel3608]

A beautiful proactive thought,❤❤❤,mindfull and progressive,

[@olgayaleo729]

bravo! what i want to do, as well - give back to the great mother. oak or redwood, please? and YES on her comments on the global national food monsters, who supply anything but healthy food. if you have a balcony or patio, you can grow wondrous, delicious, nourishing food. beautiful soul, lovely film - thank you.

[@helendew5333]

Thank you for your kind comments. David holmgren says we all become trees in the end! With regards home grown food, people who don't have a patio can grow sprouts near a sunny windowsill. Sprouts are chock full of goodness! Of course, they could also swap skills for food in rheir neighborhood, or buy sprayfree produce from their local farmers market.

[@chrisbronson5341]

Hate to tell y'all...but Our decaying bodies might be part of what feeds the bionics Of what feeds the trees . But at the end of the day What ever gives you solace is inspirational .

[@barbararoyal6139]

I thank you for you inspiration and for sharing your heart wisdom and power of example 🌿🕊️