Guiding you to live your life on purpose, claim your joy, be in your power and fully embrace the gifts this season of motherhood brings.

find your anchor

For when you’re feeling lost without your footing. The Mamas I talk to tell me how much they crave that sense of grounding again. They’re in a spiral of chasing their own thoughts, trying to take action, yet feeling depleted at the same time. They desperately want to move forward but they have no idea what that looks like or how to take the first step. We gently find your ground and carve out the pathway together.

relief from exhaustion

Too often we rush around feeling like the more we do the more valuable we are, so we add more and more to our to-do list. Instead we’re left feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. It doesn’t have to be like this. And, frankly, as a Mama you just don’t have the literal time to keep going like this. You can break up with “busy” and still achieve and be all that you want to be. I’ll show you how.

joy expansion

I believe that when we’re feeling stressed we hold back on all our pain. And when we hold back on our pain we also hold back on our joy and that which gives us our full experience of life. In this season of life your presence matters. It’s the difference that will make all the difference to your energy, vibrancy, wellbeing and mothering. We reconnect you to your place of joy, so you can lead your life from there.

Danielle Brooker walking on beach with small child

a brief introduction

DANIELLE BROOKER

Joy Activation Coach, Mama, Writer, Podcaster

Hi, I’m Danielle.

Joy Activation Coach, Mama, coffee snob, and sacred space holder.

I give exhausted, big-hearted Mamas a break.

I guide ambitious, busy and always-on Mamas (and those in ‘mothering roles’) to get out of their tired loop, tap into an endless energy supply and create lasting joy.

I teach the missing link to everything you’ve tried to action so far to feel lighter, less exhausted and more present.

I believe that joy is not just a nice to have, it’s a necessity – one that requires daily practice. And, unlocking ourselves from exhaustion (aka busy) is the fastest and most sustainable way to experience a life that completely lights us up regardless of all the demands on your time and energy.

I’m on a mission for Mamas to reclaim this powerful season of life and live in their fullness.

I’m the first to tell you that feeling bad is just as good for you as feeling good. It’s just that we’ve lost touch with feeling good. We spend too much time focused on our stress, our busyness and our overwhelm. Joy gets limited airtime in our lives – so when we come to wanting it, we don’t know how to experience it.

I offer one-to-one coaching programmes, group experiences, digital courses and very special in person events. I’m here to help your big-hearted, ambitious self, to unapologetically redefine mothering on your own terms and live your most joyful life.

find out more

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get to know me more

  • I’m a Mama to a toddler and gave birth at home, after a mega global move about 10 weeks earlier.
  • I got started in coaching after a decade in government policy, economics and health charity roles. I was the one always putting my hand up for more trainings, workshops and mentoring. Those roles taught me how to think big, connect the dots, write effectively and take into account other people’s views.
  • I LOVE being in the kitchen, but I need plenty of spaciousness and have been learning new ways to cook a feast one-handed with baby on hip in this season of life!
  • One of my first jobs was at Maccas (that’s what Aussies love to call McDonalds) and I loved it. I still mop with the same technique I was taught at that job, precision and support for your back! I also haven’t been into a Maccas for about 20 years.
  • I’ve been reading personal growth books since I could read. I also used to love the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. I think it was the adventure, problem-solving, and team spirit of them that appealed so much.
  • I was born in South Africa, moved to Australia when I was nine, lived in London for almost a decade and now reside in Sydney, Australia.
  • Living in London was a ‘pipedream’. Something I always imagined but it felt too distant for it to be real. I finally got sick of watching everyone else ‘do it’ so packed my bags with very little savings and jumped on a plane. I now consider myself to have two homes – London and Australia.
  • I’ve watched reruns of all ten Friends seasons at least ten times. I’m a combo Phoebe-Monica-Chandler.
  • I cry in most movies, the original Lion King included.
  • I can speak Japanese and lived there for a year teaching English. I started learning the language when I was ten and kept it up all through my university years despite it being an elective only.
  • I bake the best choc chip cookies with the simplest recipe ever. Or, so I’ve been told.
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Honest shares, reflections and helpful tips for navigating those ‘in the thick of it’ motherhood moments. Weekly (ish) to your inbox.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Danielle is an empowering genuine and brilliant life coach. She has helped me reconnect with me, helped me tap into an inner power within me that I did not know I had. My coaching experience with her has been invaluable investment of resources, efforts and time.

Dima

In just a few sessions with Danielle I regained the confidence, motivation and self-understanding that has made a hugely positive and sustainable impact to my happiness and wellbeing.

Christian
Danielle step-changed the way I perceive and process my thoughts and the way I react inwardly and outwardly to testing situations. Her arsenal of easy-to-use tools and her accommodating, warm, considered and constructive coaching has made me a far calmer person and helped me practise greater tolerance and empathy in my everyday life.
 
Hannah

It has given me a feeling of strength to face my fears, but also, grounded me in a way that I can learn to accept and cherish who I am.

Daniela

I was looking for space to reconnect with myself and find some inner strength where I could rebuild and move forward with confidence again. As a result I felt permission to feel and accept whatever it was that I was feeling. I feel ‘me’ again.

Amanda

I feel like a different person. I would definitely recommend investing with The Daisy Patch. It has changed my life. I found it hard to show up in my  personal life and work. Now, I am able to confidently  show up and truly believe in my abilities. I also understand my strengths and understand how to use it to empower me in other aspects of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Halima
I appreciate that Danielle is able to get me back to what we are supposed to work on. I like where she takes me. How she insists on places where I don’t even see that I am resisting. I have learned a lot, mainly to pay attention (to my emotions and my body) and to trust, that whatever comes was supposed to come. Danielle is a good companion to help you make progress.
 
Emma

COME CONNECT OVER ON INSTAGRAM @mamajoymovement

I slide my feet into my slippers and sit on the edge of my bed for a moment. Remembering Brene Brown’s words about how she always starts her day with gratitude. I grit my teeth and try to tap into that space. Then get annoyed with myself for being so stuck, so stagnant.I wonder if this feeling will ever shift. Why do I feel like this? I never used to feel like this!There are so many emotions in motherhood (and in life). So many extremes. And often we are doing all that we can to understand them, dissipate them, make them go away – all through the lens of what was.Comparison mode keeps us stuck. And there’s nothing like sleep deprivation, building resentment and anger to fuel that stuckness. Particularly if those are feelings you are desperately trying to shake off.Motherhood has stirred the pot in so many ways for me. I thought I knew how to ‘handle’ my empotions, how to clear them, process them and learn vfrom them. I prided myself ni the self-inquiry I could do. And yet, motherhood has this in built radar for attracting in what we most need in that moment even if it doesn’t feel good.I am not wishing more sleep deprivation on you. I went two and a half years with broken sleep, sleeping in chunks of two, maybe four hours tops. Feeling frustrated, worn out and alone. Desperately trying to get my partner to get me and it failing. The resentment, anger, hurt that was residing in my body was unlike anything I’d experienced before.It felt so foreign.The moments of relief have only come through when I have tapped back into myself. Not tried to outsource to others to make me feel better, or to explain away my hurt. I so wanted it ot be my partner’s fault. But really these were my emotions and I was the only one that could truly feel them to heal them.Am I there yet? Some days – absolutely. Others – not so sure.Point is that staying stuck in processing the past won’t allow us to free ourselves in the present. And I know you want ot feel free right now.Motherhood is messy, yes. But it’s also magical. My Mama Joy work is not about bypassing your feelings. Skipping along to JOY on an express direct route from DEPRIVATION... Continued in comments 👇
I slide my feet into my slippers and sit on the edge of my bed for a moment. Remembering Brene Brown’s words about how she always starts her day with gratitude. I grit my teeth and try to tap into that space. Then get annoyed with myself for being so stuck, so stagnant.I wonder if this feeling will ever shift. Why do I feel like this? I never used to feel like this!There are so many emotions in motherhood (and in life). So many extremes. And often we are doing all that we can to understand them, dissipate them, make them go away – all through the lens of what was.Comparison mode keeps us stuck. And there’s nothing like sleep deprivation, building resentment and anger to fuel that stuckness. Particularly if those are feelings you are desperately trying to shake off.Motherhood has stirred the pot in so many ways for me. I thought I knew how to ‘handle’ my empotions, how to clear them, process them and learn vfrom them. I prided myself ni the self-inquiry I could do. And yet, motherhood has this in built radar for attracting in what we most need in that moment even if it doesn’t feel good.I am not wishing more sleep deprivation on you. I went two and a half years with broken sleep, sleeping in chunks of two, maybe four hours tops. Feeling frustrated, worn out and alone. Desperately trying to get my partner to get me and it failing. The resentment, anger, hurt that was residing in my body was unlike anything I’d experienced before.It felt so foreign.The moments of relief have only come through when I have tapped back into myself. Not tried to outsource to others to make me feel better, or to explain away my hurt. I so wanted it ot be my partner’s fault. But really these were my emotions and I was the only one that could truly feel them to heal them.Am I there yet? Some days – absolutely. Others – not so sure.Point is that staying stuck in processing the past won’t allow us to free ourselves in the present. And I know you want ot feel free right now.Motherhood is messy, yes. But it’s also magical. My Mama Joy work is not about bypassing your feelings. Skipping along to JOY on an express direct route from DEPRIVATION... Continued in comments 👇
Who else gets it? 🙋‍♀️Here's how you likely think my Mama Joy morning routine looked like today: Jump out of bed with energy and smiles Play play play whilst laughing and giggling Scrummy nutritious breakfast Clear kitchen Tidy home Yoga, walk Meditate....etc etcGosh I even ran out of ideas writing that because it's so far from what it's really like 😆Here's how my morning actually went: Woke up to partner leaving for gym around 430 Desperately tried to keep eyes closed and breathe quietly so my sleeping daughter next to me wouldn't sense Mama was awake 530 daughter wakes whilst I pretend to keep sleeping and squeeze her in tight trying to coax her back to sleep Can't hold the wee any longer, get up at 6 to go to the toilet asking my daughter to "stay there" 3 secs later pitter patter feet and a bathroom buddy and we are UP Being asked to play Vets when all.i really want to do is wake slowly, Meditate, breathe Sneakily walk around house trying to find exercise clothes but without launching into the whole "I don't want you to go exercising" dialogue.... Eventually get out the door and literally walk for 10mins Get home do one sun salutation Eat scrambled eggs whilst trying not to say out loud that I think they're over cooked 😬 because that would be ungrateful right? Tenderly introduce the idea that I have a meeting to my daughter but drop the news right at the last minute to avoid negotiating.... Eventually we make it to 730am... and my mastermind callAnd that was just the first 90mins 🤪Now I'm sitting at my desk a little anxious that I have precisely 2hrs to work and want to be calm and serene and sacred but also want to get lots done!And nobody can get lots done in a bra,so first things first... HahaHow was your perfect Mama Joy morning routine? 😉
Who else gets it? 🙋‍♀️Here's how you likely think my Mama Joy morning routine looked like today: Jump out of bed with energy and smiles Play play play whilst laughing and giggling Scrummy nutritious breakfast Clear kitchen Tidy home Yoga, walk Meditate....etc etcGosh I even ran out of ideas writing that because it's so far from what it's really like 😆Here's how my morning actually went: Woke up to partner leaving for gym around 430 Desperately tried to keep eyes closed and breathe quietly so my sleeping daughter next to me wouldn't sense Mama was awake 530 daughter wakes whilst I pretend to keep sleeping and squeeze her in tight trying to coax her back to sleep Can't hold the wee any longer, get up at 6 to go to the toilet asking my daughter to "stay there" 3 secs later pitter patter feet and a bathroom buddy and we are UP Being asked to play Vets when all.i really want to do is wake slowly, Meditate, breathe Sneakily walk around house trying to find exercise clothes but without launching into the whole "I don't want you to go exercising" dialogue.... Eventually get out the door and literally walk for 10mins Get home do one sun salutation Eat scrambled eggs whilst trying not to say out loud that I think they're over cooked 😬 because that would be ungrateful right? Tenderly introduce the idea that I have a meeting to my daughter but drop the news right at the last minute to avoid negotiating.... Eventually we make it to 730am... and my mastermind callAnd that was just the first 90mins 🤪Now I'm sitting at my desk a little anxious that I have precisely 2hrs to work and want to be calm and serene and sacred but also want to get lots done!And nobody can get lots done in a bra,so first things first... HahaHow was your perfect Mama Joy morning routine? 😉
Imagine it's the end of the year, and instead of feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and desperate for a break ... you feel FULL. Replenished. Excited for what's to come.You're feeling present with your family. And finally ready to make some big decisions for yourself.You are in your full power. And when Mama is in her power, everything around her changes.I've got something very special coming to help you feel just that. Stay tuned this week for more announcements. Or even better, DM me for early access. ;)
Imagine it's the end of the year, and instead of feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and desperate for a break ... you feel FULL. Replenished. Excited for what's to come.You're feeling present with your family. And finally ready to make some big decisions for yourself.You are in your full power. And when Mama is in her power, everything around her changes.I've got something very special coming to help you feel just that. Stay tuned this week for more announcements. Or even better, DM me for early access. 😉
What are you doing on Sunday 24 November?I'm holding a beautifully intimate half day retreat on Sydney's Northern Beaches.Pure nourishment for your soul.DM me for details. Very limited spaces available. Xx
What are you doing on Sunday 24 November?I'm holding a beautifully intimate half day retreat on Sydney's Northern Beaches.Pure nourishment for your soul.DM me for details. Very limited spaces available. Xx
I say: each day is so different from the last when you're in the thick of it in motherhood. So why keep comparing yourself to some distant version of you or worse someone else entirely.When you sink into the feeling of the moment and you time into yourself, you'll know when it's a make the bed to feel good kinda day, or a leave it all in chaos.Both are beautiful.I have moments when the bed is made, the washing is cleared the toys are stacked neatly, and a candle is gently burning at the end of the day.I also have moments like this.And today is a day where I'm retreating into my home office closing the door and allowing. Because I've tuned in and know that matters more than anything else.What will you give yourself permission for today? What is your heart asking you?
I say: each day is so different from the last when you're in the thick of it in motherhood. So why keep comparing yourself to some distant version of you or worse someone else entirely.When you sink into the feeling of the moment and you time into yourself, you'll know when it's a make the bed to feel good kinda day, or a leave it all in chaos.Both are beautiful.I have moments when the bed is made, the washing is cleared the toys are stacked neatly, and a candle is gently burning at the end of the day.I also have moments like this.And today is a day where I'm retreating into my home office closing the door and allowing. Because I've tuned in and know that matters more than anything else.What will you give yourself permission for today? What is your heart asking you?
When you make a seemingly tough decision to put your needs above those in your house something magical happens.And when you hold out thinking you're doing the right thing, you're actually causing more pain. For yourself and the others in your home.It's time to flip this dialogue and start guaranteeing your own needs are met - you get to feel good right now. And the more you're in this practice the better your whole family feels.I'm teaching a revolutionary joy framework in my free 90min JOY ACTIVATION EXPERIENCE on 5 November. Register now at www.daniellebrooker.com/activate even if you can't make it live there's a limited time replay.
When you make a seemingly tough decision to put your needs above those in your house something magical happens.And when you hold out thinking you're doing the right thing, you're actually causing more pain. For yourself and the others in your home.It's time to flip this dialogue and start guaranteeing your own needs are met - you get to feel good right now. And the more you're in this practice the better your whole family feels.I'm teaching a revolutionary joy framework in my free 90min JOY ACTIVATION EXPERIENCE on 5 November. Register now at www.daniellebrooker.com/activate even if you can't make it live there's a limited time replay.
Time for a revolution Mama. You don't have to put off your own health, wellbeing, desires and joys. You get to feel good right now AND still be an incredible mother.Join me on Tuesday 5 November for this revolutionary workshop. It's free. And it's life changing.>>>> www.daniellebrooker.com/activate
Time for a revolution Mama. You don't have to put off your own health, wellbeing, desires and joys. You get to feel good right now AND still be an incredible mother.Join me on Tuesday 5 November for this revolutionary workshop. It's free. And it's life changing.>>>> www.daniellebrooker.com/activate

Because motherhood is meant to feel EXPANSIVE not EXHAUSTING.
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