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Turbulence is Bound to Happen; Are You Still Willing to Fly?
India White • August 3, 2023
Turbulence Will Happen; Will You Still Fly?
Turbulence is Bound to Happen; Are You Still Willing to Fly?
I recently experienced turbulence on a flight to an event, when the pilot made an announcement that it was expected due to a light storm. We were flying through a cloud, and it began. I’ve always thought turbulence was very annoying and I always turn into a top-notch prayer warrior as I dispatch angels to keep the plane and bind the will of the enemy. However, the turbulence eventually cleared, and all was well again.
Turbulence is a part of life. We must expect that life will come in cycles,
and hence, we cannot allow bad times to cause us to give up on our destiny. In life, you will have moments of turbulence including the loss of a loved one, a job cut, dealing with friends and families dealing with trauma, drug addiction and more. Although these episodes can be discouraging, things are bound to get better. However, during the moments of turbulence, it seems like there’s no end.
I want to encourage you to keep your head up and remember to look up into the hills from whence comes your help (Psalm 121: 1). Further, remember that your times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15). If God created the heavens and earth (Genesis 1:1), and has sustained it for several thousand if not millions of years, what is our little span of life to Him? Can he not keep our lives? Can he not take charge and speak peace to our storms and dismantle all turbulence, even in a moment
(Mark 4:39)? Sometimes, we must reactivate God’s position on the throne in our lives, and remember that his ways are not our ways, and that whatsoever he desires that will he do. We must allow God to prove that he is GOD and that his strong arm is AWESOME. Believe me, he doesn’t need our help.
Therefore, although life can throw curve balls, and can cause you to fear taking risks and flying high in success and in God’s will, I want to encourage you to fly anyway. The last thing we want to do is to sit back in fear of failure, or fear of criticism, and ultimately missing out on the plan that God had for our lives. Choose to shake off all doubt, inferiority complex, low self-esteem and soar beyond your dreams!
Give life a chance again! Instead of throwing in the towel, shake your towel out, and go at it again! You have so much purpose deeply rooted within you and people all around you are waiting for your to strike big and impact on levels you’ve never dreamt of. So, take life by the horns, and show your low moments how high you’re going to bounce back! Continue to cultivate a plan for a comeback, and don’t stop until you are thriving in success! Put your life in GOD’s hands and watch him work things out for you! Remember, he said he will bring you into an expected end; so give him the chance to do it!
Here are some tips to help you fly high beyond the turbulence of life:
1: Remember that no weapon formed against you shall prosper!
Isaiah 54:17 mentions that “no weapon formed against us shall prosper” and that every tongue that rises against us in judgement we can condemn. God has orchestrated your life as one that is set up for success. Hence, anyone or anything plotting to harm you it shall BOOMERANG back on their heads! Know that God keeps fabulous notes, and he sees and hears all things. He’s got you covered!
2: If you are at your lowest, you can only rise higher!
Life is meant to have moments of a bounce like a basketball. However, when you endure the pain and hardships of your bounce, you must recycle the episodes, hurts and trauma to build something beautiful in your next chapter of life. Never feel like life is “over” or it’s “too late”. Those are lies from the enemy, and you must learn to cast those negative thoughts down, become grateful for the hardships, and trust that this will all work out for your good!
3: Trust God and give him an opportunity to show his power!
God Almighty tells his people to trust him (Proverbs 3:5). Isaiah 6:1 mentions how the Lord is seated upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train fills the temple. Further, he split the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and his people walk across the red sea on dry ground for his glory. He has raised the dead, healed so many that we cannot count or track it all. He communicates with all people from all backgrounds and languages and has been highly established as Sovereign Lord. Hence, allow GOD to show his power
during your turbulence, and praise him in expectation that he’s going to fix it!
4: Look up and prepare to fly high!
Sometimes, turbulent moments in life can cause us to lose focus on the mission, causing us to sometimes let go of our calling and vision that we know we are to fulfill. Hence, take a moment to acknowledge the turbulence, but factor it in as a part of the destination. Turbulence doesn’t end the destination; it strengthens you as you make strides towards your destination.
Hence, give your pain to God, and write a vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2-3) as to how you will choose to succeed in this life!
5: Release doubt, negative people, and negative affirmations
It can be tough to soar high with negative thoughts, people, and affirmations we speak over ourselves. Why? Because the battleground is in the mind before it manifests in other areas of our lives. Hence, take a moment to write down or recall any negative thoughts or people you have allowed to affect your mental psyche and come up with a plan as to how you can recalibrate your thoughts and your life.
Then, use discipline and diligence to move forward in all aspects of your life, trusting God every step of the way.
Conclusion
As you navigate through life, take God with you and trust that in the end you will win. Choose to conquer turbulence by remembering that no weapon formed against you shall prosper, expecting to rise from low moments, preparing to fly high and releasing all doubt, negative people, and negative affirmations. You’ve got this, so remember to take grit with you as you soar through turbulence while trusting the Lord. I wish you the best as you fly despite all turbulence, reaching higher heights than you could have imagined!
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### 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!
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!
🌟 Excited to share my VCTM recap video! 🎥 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! 💪📚 Check it out and let’s keep the conversation going! #drindiawhite #nctm #ncsm #vctm #vermont #nabse #naacp #education #doe
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!
✨ 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. 💪 I can't wait to see the results from the grit assessment and framework! Stay gritty, y’all! 🌟 #drindiawhite #vctm #vermont #grit #educators #math
🌨️ Greetings from Vermont! Loving the beautiful snow! ❄️ Can’t wait to get gritty with all you rockstars! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #vermont #math #teachers #snow #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse
🌟 Super excited to announce that I’ll be the keynote speaker at the VCTM Annual Conference in beautiful Vermont! 🎉 Huge thanks to the amazing VCTM rockstars for this incredible opportunity! Let’s dive into the power of grit together! 💪✨ 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)
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
🌟 Super grateful to announce that I’ve been selected to speak at FCTM this year! 🎉 Let’s dive into the topic of grit and its importance in education! 💪✨ Be sure to register by visiting their website. A huge thank you to the FCTM leaders for this incredible opportunity! 🙌 #DrIndiaWhite #Grit #TEDx #Math #Educators #Teachers #Students #FCTM #NCTM #NCSM
🎉 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! 🙌 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! 💪✨ #NCTM #NCSM #BWXME #Grit #DrIndiaWhite #TEDx #NABSE NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education