Detoxing from ABUSE

India White • January 18, 2022

Detoxing from ABUSE- Dr. India White

Detoxing from ABUSE- Dr. India White

     Abuse is defined as, “use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse; treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.”


     So many times, we’ve seen ads on the internet regarding domestic violence. Usually there is a woman that is curled up, who has just taken a blow in the face. These ads typically make people feel bad, and they try to figure out how they can help those in their inner circles who are being mistreated. Children also are told to report any mistreatment to officials at schools, and educators are mandated reporters.


     Everyone knows abuse is just…wrong. However, not all abuse or mistreatment is physical. Much abuse is mental and emotional. This can be in the form of taunting, name calling, bullying, blackmailing, ignoring, racism, unfair wages, stealing from others what is rightfully theirs for someone else’s profit, and the list continues.

     

     We know that we are valuable as individuals. However, to “fit in” to this society, many have been persuaded that they have to suffer at the hands of various abusers. People tolerate those who desire to tear them down and deceive them just to have “acceptance”. Then, they walk away from that transaction, feeling ashamed, humiliated, and tricked out of what was theirs.


     This can happen in business, institutions, church organizations, schools and more. This abuse is no respecter of persons, and it happens more often than not. The sly abuser will usually approach you with a smile. No harm intended they will say. However, they will slander your name, rip you off, steal from you your ideas, and will leave you high and dry. Then, they’ll smile at you and say, “We’ll see you next time!”


     My question is, “When is enough…enough?” When will the abuser see that they are wrong?” The unfortunate answer is, “It will never be enough.” You see, abusers will take from you as long as you allow them to, no matter what their title is. Abusers can be business leaders, pastors, professors, teachers and more. This is why people are shocked when they read about some mishap in the community, and they wonder how “that” person got caught up into it. Abusers are in every area, some are just tougher to spot.


     I can recall several incidences where people will approach me to support, speak, lead…however, they had a hidden agenda. They wanted to profit off of my talent, my story, and I wouldn’t receive a dime. Or they used me because I helped them “appear” to have diversity. Some people just wanted a conversation so they could build their businesses from my ideas. However, I didn’t realize that I was surrounded by abuse, until I pulled back enough to realize that I did not gain, but I was taken advantage of. It just didn’t feel right once I left them. I share this because I want everyone reading this to know that you have probably encountered someone that has been through something similar, and I want to help give strategies to help detox from abuse.


Here are some tips to detox from abuse:

1.    Cut off their energy

      If you have noticed that someone, or a business leader, a church leader continues to use you, manipulate you, take advantage of you, and you always feel burned out, rejected, humiliated after you leave them…cut them off. Your “vibes” are not lying; something is not right, and you deserve to feel love. If you know someone is going through the same situation, help provide them the supports they need so they too can be free from the manipulation, mind control, false love, and overall abuse.


2.    Forgive Them

      At the end of it all, abusers are really going to lose out in the end. They may profit now, but everyone has a day in which they will give an account. Hence, forgive them so you can move forward and heal. Throughout the bible are plethora of examples of people who were abusers. There was the story of Saul and David. Saul was jealous of David, who was younger than him and chosen. Hence, he would smile in David’s face and then try to kill him. He was so miserable with David, that he never supported David in anything he did. His entire time knowing David, he aimed to destroy him. Scripture talks about the thief will come to steal, kill, and to destroy. However, God came so that you would have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). Hence, choose to forgive, and keep God in the midst of your heart and enjoy your peace.

 

3.    Start Fresh

      It is okay to take the same ideas that others stole from you, and start a new thing! It’s okay to cut off toxic people and groups, and start over! You do not have to explain yourself to anyone. You are accountable to God. Choose to start fresh. You are only one person, and the last thing you need is to be so bent up emotionally from abuse, stress, manipulation, control and false love that you can’t see the good in your life. Cut off the negativity and start fresh.

 

4.    Choose to have JOY

      Scripture speaks about how God will give you joy unspeakable and full of glory. This is great to know because it keeps you focused on where your true joy comes from. It’s not in digital currency, and it’s not it the things of this world. Joy is not in false friendships, and control and manipulated relationships. Joy happens whenever you have a peace in your mind and spirit that you are fulfilling the purpose that God has for you, and that you are being sustained by God. Joy is when you know you have done right by others and can sleep at night. This is something that you and I cannot fabricate. People try to replace joy with events, parties, yoga, incense, and more; however, joy comes from above.


Conclusion

           You were not made to be abused; you were made to be loved and to soar. Hence, take off the cloak of abuse. Forgive those who mishandled you and cut off their negative energy. Choose to start fresh and always keep your joy. The best is yet to come, so detox from their abuse, and continue to soar forward. May God be with you! 


By India White October 15, 2025
๐Ÿšจ Exciting news! ๐Ÿ“š Our books have finally arrived, and orders are being shipped out! A huge thank you to the school districts and educators who have supported us by ordering their copies! ๐Ÿ™Œ If you haven't grabbed yours yet, now's the time to get it! Don't miss out! Link- https://a.co/d/a6m9xoC โœจ hashtag#nctm hashtag#ncsm hashtag#drindiawhite hashtag#teachers hashtag#grit hashtag#Tedx
By India White October 13, 2025
G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs: Strengthening Faith and Endurance in the Marketplace Faith and entrepreneurship are not separate journeys—they are deeply intertwined. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs is a faith-driven guide designed to help believers walk boldly in their calling as business leaders, visionaries, and kingdom builders. Authored by Dr. India White, this workbook combines biblical principles with her signature G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—to empower Apostolic entrepreneurs to endure, overcome, and finish strong. Rooted in the Word of God, this workbook reminds readers that entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about purpose. Through prayer, perseverance, and discipline, Apostolic entrepreneurs can honor God with their work while transforming communities and demonstrating Christlike leadership. Each page of this workbook points believers back to Jesus—the ultimate example of endurance and grace under pressure. In this workbook, entrepreneurs will explore how faith fuels vision, how adversity refines purpose, and how resilience develops through trials. It teaches how to balance ministry and business, stay grounded in prayer, and maintain spiritual integrity while navigating competitive markets. The workbook’s exercises encourage readers to apply Scripture to real-world challenges—aligning business decisions with godly wisdom and spiritual discernment. Each section integrates powerful themes: • Growth Mindset – Renewing the mind daily through the Word and trusting God’s process • Resilience – Overcoming trials by remembering God’s promises and grace • Self-Efficacy – Believing you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you • Time Management – Stewarding time as a divine resource for kingdom impact The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs serves as a devotional and strategic planner in one. It helps readers reflect, plan, and act with spiritual confidence, knowing that God has called them to be lights in the marketplace. It emphasizes that entrepreneurship, when aligned with the Apostolic faith, becomes an act of worship—a testimony of God’s power to prosper His people and sustain them through adversity. This workbook also includes journaling prompts, faith declarations, and vision-building activities that help believers overcome doubt and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith. It encourages readers to endure to the end, to remain steadfast, and to let perseverance finish its work, just as Scripture commands. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Apostolic Entrepreneurs will soon be available on Amazon. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, ministry resources, and information on G.R.I.T. Academy’s faith-based leadership programs. With Jesus as the foundation, grit becomes more than endurance—it becomes divine strength in action. Let this workbook guide you in building a business that glorifies God, uplifts others, and equips you to endure until the end.
By India White October 13, 2025
G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs: Building Resilience and Vision in Business The journey of entrepreneurship is full of challenges, uncertainty, and opportunity. To succeed, entrepreneurs need more than talent or strategy—they need grit. That’s why the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs was created. Designed by Dr. India White, this new resource equips business leaders, innovators, and founders with practical tools to build perseverance, mental toughness, and long-term success. Available on Amazon , this workbook helps entrepreneurs develop the habits and mindset necessary to thrive in today’s demanding business landscape. It is based on Dr. White’s powerful G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—which has transformed lives in classrooms, boardrooms, and leadership settings across the nation. The workbook walks readers through self-assessments, reflection exercises, and guided strategies that strengthen mental stamina and leadership capacity. Each chapter encourages deep introspection and action, helping entrepreneurs embrace growth through challenges. From managing time effectively to cultivating resilience during setbacks, this workbook provides an organized, faith-centered approach to success that aligns values with vision. Inside the workbook, entrepreneurs will find tools such as personal grit trackers, resilience maps, goal-setting templates, and strategic planning pages that link passion to performance. Dr. White’s coaching prompts guide readers to develop self-efficacy—believing in their ability to make things happen—while maintaining balance and emotional clarity in leadership. For those building startups or managing established businesses, this workbook helps refine focus, strengthen leadership habits, and increase motivation. It reminds every entrepreneur that sustainable success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s forged through perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Soon available on Amazon, the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Entrepreneurs is more than a guide; it’s a companion for your business journey. Visit www.india-white.com for updates, training opportunities, and resources from G.R.I.T. Academy that will help you elevate your leadership, strengthen your mindset, and achieve lasting results. Great Resilience in Time—that’s the foundation of every successful entrepreneur. Prepare to build your legacy with grit, purpose, and perseverance.
By India White October 13, 2025
Introducing the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees — Cultivating Resilience, One Page at a Time I’m thrilled to share news of a powerful new resource that’s about to hit the shelves — the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees, designed around Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework. This workbook is specifically created for students working with mentors, helping them develop grit and resilience through reflection, accountability, and growth. While the workbook will soon be available on Amazon, here’s an inside look at what makes it special, why it matters, and how mentors and mentees can use it together. Why a Workbook for Mentees? Mentorship changes lives, but it works best when mentees are equipped to take ownership of their personal growth. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees bridges that gap by providing structured tools to build resilience and self-efficacy throughout the mentorship journey. It offers: * A clear roadmap for personal growth and reflection * Practical exercises for goal-setting and perseverance * Tools to track progress and measure growth over time * Prompts for deeper mentor–mentee discussions This workbook helps mentees turn challenges into opportunities and equips mentors with strategies to nurture lasting confidence and determination. Understanding Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework At the heart of this workbook lies Dr. India White’s signature G.R.I.T. framework — Great Resilience in Time. The framework teaches students how to thrive through four key pillars: Growth Mindset– Believing abilities can improve through effort and learning Resilience – Bouncing back from adversity stronger than before Self-Efficacy– Believing in one’s ability to accomplish tasks and goals Time Management– Using time wisely to achieve success Dr. White’s framework has been implemented in schools, leadership trainings, and G.R.I.T. Academy programs nationwide. The mentee workbook adapts these proven strategies into personalized activities designed to strengthen the mentor–mentee connection and support personal transformation. What’s Inside the Workbook Each section of the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees is interactive and designed to make learning active and reflective. | Section | Purpose | How to Use It | |Self-Assessment | Identifies mentee’s current strengths and areas for growth | Use during first sessions to set a baseline | |Goal Setting & Reflection| Helps mentees develop SMART goals and revisit progress | Reflect weekly and discuss during check-ins | |G.R.I.T. Modules | Deep dives into Growth, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management | Complete together or independently between sessions | |Challenges & Activities | Hands-on projects to practice perseverance | Mentors assign or co-design activities | Progress Tracking | Allows mentees to visualize their growth over time | Review regularly to celebrate milestones | The workbook ensures that each mentoring session becomes meaningful, measurable, and motivating. Benefits for Mentees and Mentors Mentees will: * Strengthen their confidence and self-discipline * Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks * Set clear, attainable goals for personal and academic growth * Develop stronger reflection and problem-solving habits Mentors will: * Gain structured tools for meaningful sessions * Foster deeper conversations that go beyond surface-level topics * See measurable growth in their mentees over time * Cultivate a shared language around perseverance and purpose Coming Soon to Amazon The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees will soon be available on Amazon for mentors, coaches, and educators nationwide. This workbook serves as a companion to Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentors and aligns with her ongoing mission to build grit and resilience in every student. To get ready for launch: 1. Watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit. 2. Visit www.india-white.com for updates on release dates and resources. 3. Connect with Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Academy for mentoring tools, training, and online courses. Final Thoughts The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees isn’t just a book—it’s a movement toward empowerment, growth, and lasting change. It gives mentees a voice, a plan, and the courage to persevere through life’s challenges. Stay tuned for the Amazon launch announcement, and prepare to empower the next generation of students to rise with Great Resilience in Time.
By India White October 7, 2025
1 am excited to share that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the amazing John SanGiovanni. Together, we’ll explore the power of grit and productive struggle in the mathematics classroom—two essential ingredients for deep and lasting learning. John SanGiovanni will share his expertise on productive struggle, focusing on how teachers can design meaningful math experiences that challenge students to think critically, reason deeply, and persevere through complex problems. His work emphasizes that learning happens not when math is easy, but when students engage in struggle that leads to understanding and growth. In my portion of the session, I’ll discuss building grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework; Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Drawing from my G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators, I’ll share practical tools and strategies educators can use to help students embrace challenges with confidence and persistence. By connecting grit to productive struggle, we can empower students to develop both the mindset and skills they need to overcome obstacles and achieve success in mathematics and beyond. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators at NCTM 2025 as we explore how to inspire perseverance, confidence, and a love for learning through grit and productive struggle.
By India White October 7, 2025
I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the incredible Dr. Shelly Jones, Room 406. As TEDx speakers, Dr. Jones and I are uniting our passions for mathematics, equity, and purpose-driven teaching in our session titled Building Grit Through Culturally Relevant Math Tasks. Dr. Shelly Jones will share powerful insights from her book Culturally Relevant Math Tasks to Engage All Learners, which emphasizes how educators can connect mathematical concepts to students’ cultural experiences and lived realities. Her work highlights the importance of inclusion, representation, and authentic learning experiences that empower every student to see themselves as capable mathematicians. In my portion of the session, I will focus on Building Grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework—which stands for Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Through this framework, I will share strategies from my *G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators* to help teachers cultivate perseverance and confidence in students as they navigate challenging math tasks. The goal is to help students not only solve problems but also believe they can thrive through productive struggle and perseverance. Together, Dr. Jones and I aim to inspire educators to blend cultural reasoning with resilience-building practices—creating classrooms where students’ identities and determination are celebrated equally. I’m excited to connect with passionate educators at NCTM 2025 and share how we can all build grit, equity, and excellence in math education.
By India White October 7, 2025
๐ŸŒŸ Exciting news! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at NCSM! ๐ŸŽ‰ Join me for two informative sessions: ๐Ÿ“š 402 How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom through Equity and Collaboration ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Tuesday, October 14, 2025 โฐ 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. ๐Ÿ“– 403 Equity Counts: Implementing Equitable Practices Across All Leadership Levels ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Monday, October 13, 2025 โฐ 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. I’m ready to bridge the gap and give away door prizes, including my new book: Effective Teaching Practices Every Teacher Must Know! Don’t miss out! #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #equity #parity NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationNCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsShelly M. JonesYolande Beckles
By India White October 3, 2025
โœจ Exciting October Update! โœจ I’m thrilled to share that my October Newsletter is live! This month, I’m honored to be speaking at both NCTM and NCSM—two powerful opportunities to connect with educators nationwide about building G.R.I.T. (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management) and closing the achievement gap. ๐Ÿ’ก I’m so grateful for the incredible teachers and leaders who continue to inspire and partner with me. Thank you for the work you do every day to make an impact in the lives of students! Check out the newsletter and explore resources here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ www.india-white.com Let’s keep building grit and creating equity in education—together. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ“šโœ๏ธ
By India White October 3, 2025
Building Grit in Our Elementary Math Communities This week I had the privilege of hosting an **Elementary Math Chat on BlueSky**, where educators from across the nation gathered to talk about one of my favorite topics: the **power of grit** in our classrooms and communities. The energy, collaboration, and passion from teachers, leaders, and math coaches reminded me once again of why this work matters. Why Grit in Math? We started by examining the latest NAEP data, which paints a sobering picture of how our students are performing in mathematics. While test scores often highlight areas of struggle, they also invite us as educators to ask a deeper question: How can we better equip our students to persist through challenges? This is where the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—becomes a game-changer. Exploring the G.R.I.T. Framework During the chat, educators reflected on how grit shows up in their classrooms: Growth Mindset helps students believe they can learn math, even when it feels difficult. Resilience gives students the courage to keep trying when a solution isn’t clear right away. Self-Efficacy instills confidence that “I can solve problems if I keep working at them.” Time Management reminds students that persistence requires discipline and prioritization. Together, these pillars equip students to face not only academic challenges but also life’s challenges with courage and determination. G.R.I.T. Games and Assessments We also discussed two practical tools for teachers to bring grit alive in the math classroom: G.R.I.T. Games : Engaging activities that give students the chance to practice perseverance in fun, low-stakes ways while still reviewing math concepts. G.R.I.T. Assessment: A reflective tool for students to evaluate their own growth in grit—identifying where they are strong and where they can build more perseverance. These resources empower both teachers and students to see grit not as an abstract concept, but as something real, measurable, and impactful. Grit Beyond the Classroom One of my favorite takeaways from the chat was hearing educators share how grit impacts not just math performance but also the wider school community. When students develop grit, they become more confident problem-solvers, more engaged learners, and more supportive peers. This mindset spreads beyond the classroom walls, creating resilient communities that thrive together. Moving Forward The Elementary Math Chat reminded us that teaching math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nurturing resilient thinkers who can face challenges with determination. As we continue to share strategies, reflect on data, and support one another, I’m excited to see how grit will transform classrooms across the nation. Let’s keep the conversation going: together, we can ensure every student has the tools to persist, grow, and succeed. Dr. India White is a national speaker, math consultant, and author of the G.R.I.T. framework. For professional development, G.R.I.T. trainings, or speaking engagements, connect at www.india-white.com
By India White September 30, 2025
Building Grit in Students through Reflection Activities During a recent training session, I guided students through a structured activity designed to help them reflect on grit and personal accountability. This exercise encouraged them to explore how the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—applies to their learning and development.^1 Students first participated in guided discussions on grit, focusing on strategies to remain committed, build resilience, and complete assignments on time.^2 Each student then journaled about their personal grit levels, identifying areas of strength and growth. This journaling provided a safe space for honest self-assessment and highlighted the importance of intentional focus.^3 The activity also included collaborative reflection where students discussed their “grit weeks,” emphasizing how to manage distractions, stay accountable, and complete tasks with perseverance.^4 By engaging in both personal reflection and peer discussion, students were able to see grit not as an abstract idea but as a practical tool to help them reach goals.^5 Through journaling and reflection, students deepened their understanding of the four pillars of the G.R.I.T. framework. Many expressed excitement for what lies ahead in their academic journey, recognizing that perseverance and accountability are vital to their long-term success.^6 The activity reinforced the importance of grit in education by providing students with practical tools for self-awareness and improvement. As Angela Duckworth emphasizes, grit involves sustained passion and perseverance over the long term.^7 Likewise, the Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook stresses that equipping students with reflective practices helps foster resilience and determination as they grow academically and personally.^8 Footnotes 1. Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (New York: Scribner, 2016), 8–9. 2. India White, The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook (Tampa, FL: White Education Consulting, 2023), 12. 3. Duckworth, Grit, 44. 4. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 28. 5. Duckworth, Grit, 92. 6. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 46. 7. Duckworth, Grit, 275. 8. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 59. Bibliography Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. New York: Scribner, 2016. White, India. The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook. Tampa, FL: Rising Glory Productions LLC, 2023.