What happens when a family lawyer turns the lens on her own life, uncovering secrets she once helped others navigate?
A memoirist, speaker, and YouTube creator, Helen Garlick (This Week’s Cover Spotlight) has turned owning her story into a superpower. Her debut memoir, No Place to Lie, explores family secrets and suicide, earning her a finalist spot at the London Book Fair Selfies Awards 2023.
Now based in Avebury, Helen runs creative writing retreats, inspires through her inspiring YouTube chanell Hello! It’s Better to Talk, and serves as ambassador for the Zero Suicide Alliance.
In this conversation, Helen opens up about what motivates her, her thoughts on ageing, her favourite creative rituals, and why honest conversations can transform lives.
️Helen, what makes you a “Crunchy Lady”?
After a long career as a lawyer, trainer and mediator, I’m now getting to do what I really love to do in my 60s, developing my interest as a writer and broadening that to run coastal writing retreats for others to give them the space, encouragement and freedom to write, reflect and find their way back to themselves – because that’s what good writing achieves!
Writing can be so healing and writing my memoir No Place to Lie really helped me look at what had happened in my family, tearing down the veils of secrecy and shame. I think of my life in thirds – 0-30, 30-60 and 60 upwards and this is the time to refire, to do things we love to do and try new things – to stretch ourselves way beyond what we thought might limit us. My decades just keep getting better and better.
This Christmas I’m going to be in the village panto, Treasure Island – the last time I trod the boards was when I was 15 and played Looby Lou in a sketch entitled Randy Andy Pandy in Sheffield in the 70s. This time I’m skeleton 4 and in the singing ensemble. Huge fun.
What do you like the most about getting older?
I’m a LOT braver these days and am shedding being a people pleaser to focus on pleasing myself and filling up my own energy reserves, that way I can give more when I need and want to. I love my body these days, she’s borne three children (been super lucky here),
survived breast cancer and cared for a lot of people as well as inspiring many more.
Women hold the power and the secret of life within us and we are the creators. We are water, fire, air and earth – and magic. I care much less about what other people think – it’s my own opinion of myself that matters.
I am also loving having
singing lessons now and
finding my voice – and the sheer power of it through a wonderful singing teacher,
Fiona MacArthur.
There’s so much wisdom that comes with age and experience as long as you keep yourself open to new ideas and travel. Communication, connection and community – the three Cs that matter. I’m so happy and lucky these days to be living in a wonderful house in a brilliant community.
Best advice to your younger self?
Trust yourself my darling and keep on building that trust, your instinct about what’s right and true is what matters. Do what makes you happy. Focus on yourself not others.
I was well into my fifties before a friend told me that she made decisions on the basis of what would make her most happy. I was amazed – honestly up until then I mostly did what I thought I should do. It’s been a massive aha! moment for me learning to do that.
W️hat’s your favourite book so far?
What’s something about you that’s not on your official bio?
I’ve jumped down a twenty foot waterfall as part of a walk down a stream in North Wales from source to sea level and walked over fire coals – not once but twice.
Have you always loved the vibrant illustrations and colorful energy of our magazine? If you’re over 50, this is your exclusive chance to be featured on the cover of our weekly illustrated newsletter! Find out more.
Thank you so much for this opportunity – loving what you’re doing here @crunchy_tales
It’s our pleasure! Thank you for the support,more exciting stories ahead! Be wise, age playfully!