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!
Need More? Join my life coaching sessions in my Coaching Rockstars Program Today!

πΈβ¨ Happy April, G.R.I.T. Family! β¨πΈ I’m so excited to share that my April Newsletter is officially LIVE! ππ½π¬ This month is filled with growth, gratitude, and powerful momentum, and I couldn’t wait to bring you along on the journey! π« π Inside this month’s newsletter: β¨ A special feature with Ultimate Medical Academy and the impactful work we’re doing with universities to build G.R.I.T. in students and leaders π Celebrating a personal milestone; I’ve completed my Master’s in Christian Leadership! π€ Speaking engagements (including the Atlanta Math Conference π) π Ways we’re continuing to support students and educators through the G.R.I.T. Framework This season is all about growth, purpose, and impact—and I’m more energized than ever to continue leading leaders nationwide and building strong character through G.R.I.T. πͺπ½π± πΌ Let’s Partner! I’m currently booking: π€ Speaking engagements π G.R.I.T. Academy tutoring π― Consulting services for schools, districts, and universities If you’re ready to bring the G.R.I.T. Movement to your organization, let’s connect! π© indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep leading. Let’s stay G.R.I.T.T.Y.! π₯π₯π hashtag#DrIndiaWhite hashtag#GRITMovement hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Education hashtag#NewsletterLaunch hashtag#GrowthMindset hashtag#Resilience hashtag#ChristianLeadership hashtag#LetsGetGritty hashtag#nctm hashtag#ncsm hashtag#bwxme hashtag#n

π A New Chapter: Leading with G.R.I.T. and Purpose I am beyond excited and deeply grateful to share that I have officially completed my Master’s degree in Christian Leadership! ππ½β¨ This journey has been one of faith, discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. There were moments that stretched me, challenged me, and pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined—but through it all, God remained faithful. This accomplishment is not just a degree; it is a testament to the power of G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—in action. π± A Calling Greater Than a Credential Earning this degree represents more than academic success—it reflects a deeper calling to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and pour into others with purpose. Christian leadership is about influence, impact, and obedience to God’s direction. I am excited to continue equipping and empowering leaders nationwide to build strong character, develop resilience, and walk boldly in their purpose. Through the G.R.I.T. framework, I remain committed to helping educators, students, and leaders not only succeed academically or professionally—but thrive in every area of their lives. π A Heart of Gratitude I would not be here without the incredible support system God placed around me. To the leaders and professors at my university—thank you for your guidance, wisdom, and commitment to developing leaders who serve with excellence and faith. Your investment has made a lasting impact on my journey. To my family—thank you for your unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices. You have been my strength during long nights, busy seasons, and moments when I needed an extra push to keep going. To my church family—thank you for your prayers, covering, and spiritual support. Your encouragement has uplifted me more than words can express, and I am grateful to be surrounded by a community that believes in purpose and calling. π Moving Forward with Purpose As I step into this new season, I am more energized than ever to continue the work of building leaders who are grounded in faith and strengthened by G.R.I.T. The mission continues—to inspire growth, cultivate resilience, develop confident leaders, and steward time with intention. This is just the beginning. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep leading with purpose. With gratitude and excitement, Dr. India White π

Pi Day and the Power of G.R.I.T. in Mathematics Why March 14 is More Than Just a Math Celebration Every year on March 14 (3/14), mathematicians, teachers, and students around the world celebrate Pi Day—a day dedicated to the mathematical constant π (pi). While Pi Day is often filled with pie-themed treats, math games, and creative activities, it also offers a powerful opportunity to help students develop something even more important than memorizing digits of π. It offers a chance to build G.R.I.T. As I often share in my work with educators and students, G.R.I.T. stands for Great Resilience in Time and is built on four pillars: * Growth Mindset * Resilience * Self-Efficacy * Time Management Mathematics is one of the most powerful subjects for cultivating these traits, and Pi Day gives us a fun and meaningful entry point. nderstanding π: A Lesson in Persistence At its core, π (pi) represents the relationship between a circle’s circumference and its diameter. Pi = Circumference/Diameter This constant is approximately 3.14, but mathematicians have calculated trillions of digits beyond the decimal. Think about that for a moment. The digits of π never repeat and never end. Mathematicians throughout history have spent centuries trying to calculate it more accurately. That alone is a lesson in grit. Mathematics often requires patience, perseverance, and the willingness to keep going—even when answers are not immediately obvious. How Pi Day Builds the G.R.I.T. Framework 1. Growth Mindset: Math Is About Learning, Not Perfection Pi Day reminds students that mathematics is not about getting everything right the first time. When students explore circles, approximate π, or investigate how it works, they begin to realize that mistakes are part of discovery. Encouraging students to say: β¨ “I don’t understand this yet.” instead of β “I’m bad at math.” helps shift their mindset toward growth. A growth mindset allows students to embrace mathematical challenges rather than avoid them. 2. Resilience: Productive Struggle Matters One of the most important lessons students learn through mathematics is that struggle is part of the process. When students measure circular objects in the classroom and calculate approximate values for π, they may initially get inconsistent results. Instead of giving up, they must adjust their measurements and try again. This is where resilience grows. In a G.R.I.T. classroom, we remind students: πEvery mathematician has struggled before discovering something meaningful. Pi itself was not discovered overnight—it took centuries of investigation. 3. Self-Efficacy: Building Confidence Through Exploration Self-efficacy is the belief that “I can do this.” Pi Day activities help students develop that confidence because they experience mathematics in a hands-on, engaging way . Examples include: π₯§ Measuring pies or circular objects π Finding circumference and diameter π§ Memorizing digits of π π² Playing Pi-related math games When students successfully apply math concepts in fun ways, they begin to see themselves as capable mathematicians. This belief is critical for long-term success in STEM fields. 4. Time Management: Breaking Big Problems into Steps Another key component of the G.R.I.T. Framework is time management. Mathematics often requires solving complex problems step by step. Pi Day activities can model this by showing students how mathematicians approach difficult problems. For example, students might: 1οΈβ£ Measure a circle 2οΈβ£ Record circumference 3οΈβ£ Measure diameter 4οΈβ£ Calculate the ratio Breaking the task into manageable steps teaches students that big problems become solvable when approached strategically. Pi Day Is More Than Pie While Pi Day often includes fun traditions like eating pie or reciting digits of π, its deeper value lies in the mindset it cultivates. Mathematics teaches students that: β Learning takes time β Persistence leads to discovery β Mistakes are part of the process β Confidence grows through practice These lessons extend far beyond the math classroom. They prepare students for life. Final Thoughts: Let’s Get Gritty With Math As educators, parents, and leaders, we must remember that mathematics is not just about numbers—it is about developing thinkers, problem solvers, and resilient learners. Pi Day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate both mathematics and perseverance. When students experience math through the lens of the G.R.I.T. Framework, they begin to understand that success is not about immediate answers. It is about Great Resilience in Time. So this Pi Day, enjoy a slice of pie—but more importantly, encourage students to stay gritty, keep exploring, and never stop learning. Happy Pi Day! βπ½ Dr. India White TEDx Speaker | National Education Consultant Creator of the G.R.I.T. Framework (Great Resilience in Time) Empowering educators and students to thrive through perseverance in mathematics. Visit www.india-white.com/books to grab a copy of your Grit Workbook for Teachers!

Build Grit Session at the STLATL Gathering: Empowering K–12 Educators in Atlanta Last week in Atlanta, I had the opportunity to facilitate a BuildG Grit session during the STLATL gathering for K–12 educators. The room was filled with teachers, instructional leaders, and school innovators who share a common goal: helping students develop the inner tools they need to succeed—not just academically, but in life. The session focused on a powerful framework built around four essential elements: growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management. Together, these pillars form the foundation of what we call “grit moves”—practical shifts in mindset and behavior that help both educators and students push through challenges and stay focused on long-term goals. A Framework for Grit in the Classroom The grit framework begins with growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Classrooms that celebrate progress over perfection encourage students to take risks, embrace challenges, and view mistakes as opportunities to grow. Next, we explored resilience. Teaching resilience means helping students learn how to recover from setbacks and keep moving forward. In a world where students face academic pressure, social challenges, and uncertainty, resilience becomes a critical life skill. When struggle is normalized in the classroom, students begin to see challenges as part of the learning process rather than barriers to success. The third pillar, self-efficacy, focuses on students’ belief in their ability to succeed. When students believe they can accomplish a task, they are far more likely to engage deeply and persist through obstacles. Strategies such as setting achievable milestones, providing meaningful feedback, and highlighting student progress help strengthen this belief. Finally, we explored time management, a skill that often determines whether students can translate motivation into meaningful progress. Effective time management empowers students to plan, prioritize, and stay organized, turning big goals into manageable steps. Teachers Ready to Make Grit Moves What made the STLATL session especially energizing was the enthusiasm from the educators in the room. Teachers were not just listening—they were actively brainstorming ways to integrate grit-building strategies into their classrooms. Participants shared ideas about how to embed “grit moves” into daily routines: reflective goal-setting with students, modeling productive struggle, celebrating persistence, and helping students track their growth over time. The conversation quickly shifted from theory to action. Teachers discussed how these strategies could reshape classroom culture—moving away from fear of failure and toward a learning environment grounded in persistence, reflection, and continuous growth. Building Grit Together The energy in the room was a powerful reminder that grit is not something students develop alone. It grows in environments where educators intentionally cultivate perseverance, confidence, and purposeful habits. By focusing on growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management, educators can help students build the skills needed to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. As the session wrapped up, one thing was clear: the educators in Atlanta are ready to make grit moves. And when teachers commit to building grit in their classrooms, they are not just preparing students for the next test—they are preparing them for life.

πβ¨ Just wrapped up Session 1 of the #STLATL Conference and it was AMAZING! ππͺ We were building grit alongside incredible teachers from Georgia, Kansas, Florida, and beyond! πβ€οΈ So grateful for the opportunity to speak and share gritty solutions that work in ALL classrooms! π«π Let’s keep the momentum going and empower our students together! π₯π‘ #drindiawhite #education #students #teachers #nctm #ncsm #nabse #bwxme #grit #math #EducationInnovation #TeacherPower #BuildingGrit #achievementgap #tedx #gritframework #WoodwardAcademy


