What’s your full name?

Jonie Marie Broecker

Were you named after anyone?

My dad said that he listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell. He wanted to make my name a bit different so he changed the spelling. They liked the way Jonie and Marie sounded together so that was that. Broecker was a name that I took on by marriage, as a result, they had no say in that one. 😉

What’s your average day like?

Each day poses a different set of opportunities to try and balance the needs of my family, clients and/or friends while trying to refuel my being on some level. I have given up on trying to master this and just take each day as it comes.

In reality, my day unfolds like this: mommy wakes up and prepares breakfast for son and furry pet. I then try to manage refueling the “play with me” tanks for both son and pet. This allows me time to get ready mentally, physically and spiritually for the day, and then somehow the day magically transforms into us learning about the world, each other and how to live harmoniously in it.

How far away do you live from where you were born?

According to a Google conversion chart, I now live 5,141 miles from where I was born.

What do you consider to be your “home”?

Before having a family, “home” was defined by a way that I felt in my being and my relationship to the world/environment around me. Now that I have a family who enjoys the recharging that our “home” brings, I consider my home to be a place that refuels, reconnects and provides rest for all participating members, either permanent (my core family) or temporary (our guests).

What’s your ideal way to spend the holidays? 

Potluck style and invite everyone! Those who can’t make it usually have somewhere they’d rather be, and those who can, often enjoy it.

What items do you always take with you when you leave the house?

I take my keys, ID, and debit card.

When you look in the mirror, what do you notice first?

Hmmm…that depends on whether i am naked or clothed. If naked, I notice how breastfeeding has done quite surprising things to my nipples! If dressed, I notice more depth and complexity in my eyes.

If you could change something about your appearance, what would it be?

I guess that I’ve always wanted to be taller. That has yet to change.

What do you first notice in strangers? 

I suppose that I first notice their activity. Are they eating, sleeping, reading, observing, etc.? (That sort of thing)

What do you think people say about you? 

I feel that this would be varied based on who was asked. An overall average would probably end up with something along the lines of me being heartful (not sure if that is even a word) or guided by my heart. (aka: impulsive to some, while whimsical to others.)

What would you hope they would say?

I would love to hear someone say that I am courageous.

What is your proudest moment? Biggest victory?

Seeing myself as worthy of my own compassion and grace was pivotal for me. Still is.

What is your biggest regret? Biggest failure? 

My deepest regrets are feelings and hearts that have been hurt while I’ve fumbled my way into learning how to love better.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? 

Time management. There’s gotta be a class I can take or something. I need help.

What makes life worth living? 

Waking up. Each day that I wake up is a gift to try and love better and more fully.

What is the one rule you try to live by? Do you feel successful at following it? 

First and foremost: practice love. It’s my practice so fumbling is part of the success of it. Learning how to take ownership of my fumbles and speak with those that may have experienced my fuck ups has now become part of me learning how to love better.