Coach Kawhena

“It’s not about the empty hall. It’s about the quiet space between two very full chapters of my life.”

LIVING THROUGH THE MOMENTS

This photo wasn’t planned.

It was taken just after our Senior Darts Nationals had finished. The venue was empty, it was around 10 p.m., and after days of early mornings, late nights, conversations, decision-making, and packing everything down, there was finally… silence.

For a few minutes, I simply stood there.

Not because I was tired.
Not because the work was finished.
But because I knew another chapter was about to begin.

I had five days at home before the next journey. Five days to be Mum. Five days to reset, look after myself, and prepare for what was ahead our next kaupapa.

Looking back now, I realise I spent almost 24 days immersed in the world of darts. Moving from one tournament to the next, one airport to another, one responsibility to the next.

Sometimes life moves so quickly that we don’t realise we’re living through moments that will one day become memories.

This photo isn’t about the empty hall. It’s about the quiet space between two very full chapters of my life.

I’m learning that reflection doesn’t always happen at the end of the journey. Sometimes it happens in the small spaces in between.

Coach Kawhena.🫶🏽

🫶🏽Home bound ✈️

“Sometimes the greatest souvenir you bring home is a deeper understanding of yourself.”

One of the most fascinating things we can do as people is learn to listen to our own voice.

What are you hearing?
What are you feeling?
What is your body telling you?

As we come towards the end of our time here in Las Vegas for the World Darts Masters, I’ve been reflecting the last few days on why I wanted to come in the first place.

When this tournament was announced back in March, I remember saying to my husband, “Hun, I want to come.”

So I worked hard, bought my ticket and put myself in the experience.

Darts is a huge part of our life, but I’m also discovering that I’ve stepped into a space I’m genuinely excited to learn more about. I know I’m excited because I can feel it. That feeling of curiosity. Of wanting to understand more. Of being somewhere new and watching, listening, learning and discovering where I fit within it.

But when I think about the highlights of this trip, it’s funny… they haven’t been the big things.

They’ve been the moments.

The moments I’ve laughed until my stomach hurt. The moments my mate has made me smile. The conversations. The small experiences we’ve shared. Being together after 22 years and still discovering new things about each other.

In darts, we talk so much about moments. Those moments when you step up to the oche, you’re under pressure, and you have to execute.

But life is full of moments too.

And sometimes the moments that stay with us aren’t the ones that cost the most money or look the most impressive in a photo.

They’re the ones that make us feel something.

As I get ready to leave Las Vegas, there are three things I’m taking home with me:

My moments with my husband.
My excitement to keep learning and discovering within the world of darts.
And a greater awareness of myself.

These photos below was taken on one particular day, a day these were a symbol to remind me of where I came from♥️ 🌷

Coach Kawhena Reflection 🌿

Sometimes life gives you a little “pinch me” moment.

No, this isn’t Paris… but standing here Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, in this moment, with my husband by my side, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude.

It’s funny how the places we visit become less important than the people we share them with.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that happiness isn’t always about chasing the next goal, the next achievement, or the next destination. Sometimes it’s simply about pausing long enough to recognise the blessings already in front of you.

For me, this trip has been another reminder to keep showing up for myself.

Not from a place of selfishness, but from a place of self-care.

Protecting my peace.
Holding my space.
Looking after my energy.

Because when we do that, we keep our glow.

And that glow isn’t something anyone else can give us. It’s something we nurture within ourselves through gratitude, presence, and choosing to honour who we are.

So today, I simply want to encourage you to pause.

Take a breath.
Look around.
Who is beside you?
What do you already have that deserves your gratitude?

You might discover that, in this very moment, you already have enough.

Sending you all positive vibes.

Ngā mihi nui,
Coach Kawhena 💚 🌿