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It's a HEART Issue

India White • November 20, 2022

It's a HEART Issue!

It’s a HEART Issue – Dr. India White

Have you heard of the scripture verse Jeremiah 17:9 that states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Have you ever encountered an individual and wondered, “Wow, how did they end up with a vibe like that?” What about the person who slanders you to the core of your soul? Or, how about the person that intentionally ignores you with pleasure? Sometimes, we encounter people from all walks of life, who are battling various things. 

Some people are battling sickness while others are dealing with abuse from a loved one. There are individuals dealing with eating disorders, and their colleagues could be dealing with stress on the job. One part about life that is tricky is how do you deal with issues of the heart when life shows up, i.e. bitterness, hate, envy, jealousy, greed, racism, lust, fantasy, unforgiveness, etc.?

In all honesty, there is no life manual handed to anyone that details the specifics of various encounters. For instance, you might deal with jealousy differently than your neighbor because it might not be a trigger point for you. However, your neighbor may have grown up in a house where they were constantly provoked by loved ones to jealousy. As a result, they can remain competitive, lack compliments and be difficult to work with on the job. 

What about issues like racism or hate? You might not have ever had a personal encounter with racism, so you might not think it’s a big deal. You might find yourself as an individual in society deemed as being privileged, financially stable, or just fortunate. This might tempt you to look your nose down at people who grew up humbly or don’t have as much as you do.

Now, let’s look at the other perspective. What if you are a person who has encountered racism? You might have a growing resentment in your spirit since your elementary school experience with students or teachers calling you derogatory terms. You might have little to no tolerance for jargon as a result, causing a trigger point and tempting you to act out of character. So, how do you deal with this strong spirit of racism and hate, and keep your heart clean from these traits?

There is no clear-cut answer, however, we must learn to conquer these ugly truths about ourselves so we may shine bright with pure hearts, impacting ALL people in a beautiful way as we encounter them. There is nothing more disappointing than to be a leader, and to be unaware of how hurtful we can be in positions of power because our heart is spewing out hate, unbeknownst to us.

Hence I want to encourage you to take time and deal with your heart. Whether it’s issues mentioned above or something else, take time to reflect before the holidays or before your next major event about a few things: 

1. How do I make people that I deem less than me feel? 

2. Is there something that keeps me up at night? 

3. Why do I keep afflicting that person who did nothing wrong to me? 

4. What is the unresolved hurt left inside of me that keeps causing me to hurt people and to feel good about it?

As you work on these areas of your heart, take time and reflect, then make a plan as to how you can move forward from them. Whether your plan includes taking implicit bias tests or watching motivational or informative clips on how you can evolve from your current state, continue to do your best to grow into a healthier and more loving and helpful person.

When progress is made, make note of it and celebrate. Then, repent from ever going back to your old self again.

I wish you the best as you conquer every heart issue of your life and thrive!

Love, 
Dr. India White
Speaker, Author, Life Coach

By India White April 3, 2025
### April Newsletter: A Month of Grit and Growth April is here, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting month filled with powerful opportunities to build grit, inspire educators, and impact students. From conferences to new resources, I’m thrilled to share what’s happening this month and how you can get involved. Speaking at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference in Minnesota I’m honored to present at the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference this month, where I’ll be diving into how to create a Gritty Thinking Classroom. In this session, we’ll explore how the G.R.I.T. framework aligns with Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, helping educators develop a culture of perseverance, resilience, and self-efficacy in their math students. If you’re attending, I’d love to connect and discuss ways to empower students through productive struggle. G.R.I.T. Workbooks and Resources The G.R.I.T. Workbook series continues to grow, providing teachers, students, and parents with practical tools to develop growth mindset, resilience, and time management. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your own grit or help students push through challenges, these workbooks offer actionable strategies to build confidence and perseverance. G.R.I.T. Online Courses and Masterclass For those looking to take a deeper dive into grit, we’re rolling out G.R.I.T. online courses and mini-workshops designed to help educators and leaders implement grit-based strategies in their schools and classrooms. Stay tuned for our Masterclass, which will provide an interactive learning experience on how to cultivate grit in both personal and professional settings. G.R.I.T. Podcast: Conversations That Inspire The G.R.I.T. Podcast continues to feature insightful conversations with educators, leaders, and changemakers who are passionate about building perseverance and resilience. Each episode offers motivation and strategies to help you stay committed to your goals and push through challenges. Be sure to tune in for inspiring discussions that fuel personal and academic growth. Stay Connected If you’re looking for more ways to engage with the G.R.I.T. movement, be sure to check out: - www.india-white.com – Explore my work, speaking engagements, and resources - www.gritacademy.us – Learn about G.R.I.T. Academy, where we help students and educators develop the skills they need to thrive This month is all about embracing grit, growth, and resilience. Whether through conferences, podcasts, or online learning, I’m excited to continue this journey with you. Let’s keep pushing forward and building a culture of perseverance together. Stay gritty and keep striving for greatness!
By India White April 3, 2025
Excited to Speak at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference: Building a Gritty Thinking Classroom! I can’t wait to present at MCTM’s Annual Math Conference this April in Minnesota. This opportunity is truly special because I’ll be diving into two of my passions—grit and Building Thinking Classrooms—to help educators create Gritty Thinking Classrooms that foster resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance in students. Why Grit Matters in the Math Classroom Math is not just about numbers and equations; it’s about persistence, self-efficacy, and growth mindset. So many students struggle with productive struggle, but when we intentionally build grit, they learn how to push through challenges rather than give up. By implementing Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework, we help students: - Develop a growth mindset - Build resilience in problem-solving - Strengthen self-efficacy - Improve time management and perseverance Connecting Grit with Building Thinking Classrooms Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms has transformed the way we engage students in math learning. When we merge BTC structures with grit, we create an environment where students: - Tackle challenging problems head-on - Collaborate with peers to build understanding - Learn to embrace struggle as part of growth - Develop confidence in their ability to succeed In my session, we’ll explore how BTC’s 14 elements align with grit and how teachers can create a culture of perseverance in their classrooms. See You in Minnesota! If you’re attending MCTM’s Annual Math Conference, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how to empower students to think, struggle, and grow. Together, we can build Gritty Thinking Classrooms that transform how students learn and engage with mathematics. Let’s get gritty! See you soon in Minnesota!
By India White March 25, 2025
๐ŸŒŸ Excited to share my VCTM recap video! ๐ŸŽฅ Join me as I engage with teachers during my keynote, discussing strategies to best support our 8th grade math students. Together, we can make a difference! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ“š Check it out and let’s keep the conversation going! #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #vctm #vermont #nabse #naacp #education #doe
By India White March 25, 2025
Reflection on The Power of Grit Keynote to Vermont Teachers Speaking to the dedicated educators of Vermont about the Power of Grit was an inspiring and reaffirming experience. As I shared the pillars of grit—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Time Management, and Self-Efficacy—it was evident that these concepts resonated deeply with the teachers in the room. Their commitment to fostering perseverance and confidence in their students was both heartening and energizing. Throughout the keynote, I emphasized the transformative role of a growth mindset—how students who embrace challenges and see effort as a path to mastery are more likely to persist through difficulties. I could see educators nodding in agreement as they reflected on their own students' struggles and triumphs. Encouraging students to reframe failure as a learning opportunity is a crucial shift that builds not just better mathematicians, writers, and thinkers but also more resilient individuals. Resilience was another cornerstone of the discussion. I shared stories and strategies to help students push past obstacles and develop the endurance needed to navigate academic and personal challenges. The engagement in the room reaffirmed that teachers, too, are models of resilience, especially in today’s educational climate. One of the most practical elements of the keynote focused on time management—helping students (and educators) break down overwhelming tasks, set realistic goals, and prioritize effectively. The response to this section showed that time management remains a crucial skill, not only for students learning to structure their studies but also for teachers juggling multiple responsibilities. Finally, we explored the power of self-efficacy, that deep-seated belief that one’s efforts lead to success. We discussed ways to cultivate this mindset in students through intentional feedback, scaffolding, and celebrating small wins. Seeing the teachers reflect on how they could implement these strategies in their classrooms was incredibly rewarding. This keynote reaffirmed my belief that grit is not just a personal trait—it’s a culture that educators can foster in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Vermont’s educators left the session with new insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed commitment to equipping students with the perseverance and confidence needed for success. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this message, and I look forward to seeing the impact of their work in cultivating grit across the state. Thanks Vermont Rockstars. Stay gritty!
By India White March 25, 2025
โœจ I had a phenomenal time speaking for the VCTM Rockstars in Vermont! We dove into how to reach all learners and stay motivated through grit. ๐Ÿ’ช I can't wait to see the results from the grit assessment and framework! Stay gritty, y’all! ๐ŸŒŸ #drindiawhite #vctm #vermont #grit #educators #math
By India White March 25, 2025
๐ŸŒจ๏ธ Greetings from Vermont! Loving the beautiful snow! โ„๏ธ Can’t wait to get gritty with all you rockstars! Let’s do this! ๐Ÿ’ชโœจ #drindiawhite #grit #vermont #math #teachers #snow #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse
By India White March 18, 2025
๐ŸŒŸ Super excited to announce that I’ll be the keynote speaker at the VCTM Annual Conference in beautiful Vermont! ๐ŸŽ‰ Huge thanks to the amazing VCTM rockstars for this incredible opportunity! Let’s dive into the power of grit together! ๐Ÿ’ชโœจ I can’t wait to share insights and connect with fellow educators, students, and math enthusiasts. Join us by registering below: https://vctm.wildapricot.org/event-5950535 Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #vctm #teachers #students #math (I don’t own music copyright)
By India White March 18, 2025
Join us on the Let's Get Gritty Podcast with Dr. India White, featuring special guest Heidi Diercks, a retired educator, and life coach! Check out Heidi's coaching nuggets here :chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=89c50e1d3a&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1826500568311074330&th=19590896f43b0e1a&view=att&zw&disp=inline&acrobatPromotionSource=GmailNativeViewer Watch on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/.../Lets-Get-Gritty-Podcast... #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #lifecoach #education
By India White March 18, 2025
๐ŸŒŸ Super grateful to announce that I’ve been selected to speak at FCTM this year! ๐ŸŽ‰ Let’s dive into the topic of grit and its importance in education! ๐Ÿ’ชโœจ Be sure to register by visiting their website. A huge thank you to the FCTM leaders for this incredible opportunity! ๐Ÿ™Œ #DrIndiaWhite #Grit #TEDx #Math #Educators #Teachers #Students #FCTM #NCTM #NCSM
By India White March 18, 2025
๐ŸŽ‰ Super excited to announce that I've been accepted to speak at the NCTM Annual Conference in Atlanta this October! To God be the glory! ๐Ÿ™Œ I can't wait to share my insights on grit and how it can transform our approach to education. Join us and register today! Let's make this an unforgettable experience! ๐Ÿ’ชโœจ #NCTM #NCSM #BWXME #Grit #DrIndiaWhite #TEDx #NABSE NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education
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