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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Hello CAMT Family, A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the session Peter and I presented on "From Productive Struggle to Perseverance." We are so grateful for your energy, your insights, and your deep commitment to growing gritty learners in the math classroom. As you return to your schools and teams, I encourage you to keep in mind the difference between state and traits . Struggle is often a state—temporary and situational—but perseverance is a trait—something we can build and nurture over time. Let’s continue to help our students shift from temporary struggle to lifelong perseverance by developing resilience, self-efficacy, and a growth mindset and time management in our schools . As a special thank you for attending, I’m offering my G.R.I.T. Workbook at a conference-exclusive price of only $15! This resource is filled with practical strategies and reflections to help students and educators build Great Resilience in Time. Grab your copy and order for your school here ! ๐ To grab your discounted workbook or to schedule a workshop, G.R.I.T. training, or educational consultation, click the link below and book your appointment today: 1) Free Consultation Appointment : 2) Book Dr. India White here : Finally, I want to take a moment to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all of Texas as you navigate the aftermath of the recent floods. We see you. We stand with you. And we are lifting you up. Let’s stay connected, keep building G.R.I.T., and continue turning moments of struggle into stepping stones for success. With gratitude and perseverance, Dr. India White Let's Stay Connected! Email: indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com X: Indispeaknteach Blusheky: drindiagrit IG: Indi238 FB: Msindiawhite YT: Theindiawhite Tiktok: drindiawhite

From Rotten Moments to Sweet Blessings: What Banana Bread and Fermented Foods Teach Us About Life Sometimes life hands us what feels like rotten bananas; situations that seem spoiled, broken, or beyond hope. Maybe it’s a tough season of loss, failure, disappointment, or uncertainty. Yet, just like those overripe bananas transform into delicious banana bread, or milk ferments into nourishing cheese and yogurt, our "rotten" moments have the power to turn into something sweet and life-giving. Why Rottenness Can Be Good In the culinary world, fermentation, a process that uses “rottenness” to transform foods , creates some of the healthiest, most flavorful staples we enjoy: yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, and more. This “rottenness” isn’t waste; it’s a powerful agent of change that unlocks nutrients, improves digestion, and promotes health. Similarly, life’s difficult seasons are not the end. They are part of a process— a fermentation of our character, faith, and grit When we lean into these moments with grit—great resilience in time—we develop strength, wisdom, and sweetness in our souls that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 7 Ways to Overcome a Negative Mindset and Embrace Grit in Rotten Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Defeat It’s okay to feel hurt, frustrated, or discouraged. But remember, these feelings don’t define you. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” 2. Shift Your Perspective to Growth View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Just like looking at a bunch of rotten bananas can seem discouraging until you shift your thinking and see them as a perfect ingredient for banana bread, choose to see your moments of rottenness as a game changer for your destiny! 3. Practice Patience Through the Process Good things take time— like fermentation and baking . Wait on God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything.” Think of how spoiled milk seems disgusting and gut wrenching, until you learn of how wonderful of an ingredient it becomes for homemade cheese! Trust the process, and know that it will all work out in your favor! 4. Cultivate Resilience by Staying Connected Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going. Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens.” Sometimes, that person might be the catalyst for a new direction, new energy and exponential success. 5. Focus on Small, Consistent Steps Break down overwhelming problems into manageable pieces. Z echariah 4:10 encourages, “Do not despise these small beginnings. ” Don't lose sight on your progress, your identity or your purpose. 6. Renew Your Mind Daily Replace negative thoughts with truth and hope from Scripture. Philippians 4:8 advises, “Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure.” Remember that God is not dead, and he sees exactly how his plan in your life will manifest. Leave your worries on the throne and know he will justfiy you. 7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Every small victory is a sign of growth and sweet fruit to come. J ames 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Just as you are making banana bread, cheese, yogurt and other wonderful foods, you know that there might be bumps along the way, but keep pressing on! The final product is worth the moments of struggle disappointment and rottenness. You will smile in the end. Conclusion Remember, just as rotten bananas, milk, and vegetables become nourishing foods through a process of transformation, your tough seasons are preparing you for a sweeter, stronger tomorrow . Stay gritty, endure the process, and trust that God is turning your struggles into something beautiful. For more encouragement and practical ways to build grit in your life, visit my website at www.india-white.com . You can also watch my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for a motivating boost to help you keep pushing through life’s challenges. Keep rising. Keep growing. Your sweetness is coming.

๐ Ready to Get Pumped Up About Life Again? ๐ Listen to my TEDx talk, and let’s reignite that fire inside you! ๐ฅ It’s time to get serious and start making those dreams happen! ๐ช Don’t let anything hold you back—embrace the grit and determination needed to turn your aspirations into reality. Join me on this journey to unleash your full potential! ๐คโจ #drindiawhite #grit #DreamBig #TEDxTalk https://youtu.be/R9YQOtryL7w?si=vvp_rSqMP3J2VNQ_ (I don’t own music copyright)

๐ Exciting News! ๐ I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be co-presenting at CAMT with the amazing Peter Liljedahl from Building Thinking Classrooms! Join us for our session where we’ll dive into empowering students to transition from perseverance to productive struggle. Let’s transform challenges into growth opportunities together! ๐๐ก #CAMT2025 #BuildingThinkingClassrooms #Education #StudentSuccess #drindiawhite #btc #grit #tedx NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education #camt25 (I don’t own music copyright)

Dear Educators, Principals, and School Leaders, I’m excited to share that my latest newsletter has just arrived, filled with inspiring updates, resources, and tools to support your teams and students in building a culture of G.R.I.T.—Growth, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. As you plan your professional development sessions, conferences, or school events for the upcoming year, I’d love to partner with you. Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or interactive training, I specialize in helping educators and school communities cultivate grit, equity, and empowerment in ways that are practical, engaging, and transformational. If you’re interested in having me speak at your school, district, or conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to serve your team. You can also explore my speaking topics and G.R.I.T. resources at: www.india-white.com Let’s connect, collaborate, and inspire greatness—together! Here's the link to my newsletter to share: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_21LSLwQ/sEqABtI7pY0-Gh5vSzQnLg/edit?utm_content=DAF_21LSLwQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Warmly,

Thank You, Nevada Association of School Administrators: Building a Culture of G.R.I.T. Together I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Lane and the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA) for the incredible opportunity to speak at your recent conference. It was truly an honor to engage with such passionate, forward-thinking educational leaders who are committed to transforming schools and communities. During our time together, we explored a theme close to my heart: creating a culture of G.R.I.T.—not just in the classroom, but throughout our communities. We unpacked the G.R.I.T. Framework, which focuses on cultivating Growth Mindset, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management in both educators and students. These four pillars are foundational for student success, especially in today’s challenging and ever-evolving educational landscape. We also discussed the critical role educators and school leaders play in modeling and reinforcing these values. From building trusting relationships to ensuring equity and access, educators are the heartbeat of our communities. When we lead with empathy, authenticity, and grit, we empower students to do the same—and we create schools where every learner feels seen, supported, and capable of greatness. To the school leaders, superintendents, and administrators who attended: thank you for your engagement, your insights, and your commitment to building a legacy of perseverance and purpose. I walked away inspired by your stories, your questions, and your unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for all students across Nevada. If you're interested in learning more about the G.R.I.T. Framework or want to access tools like the G.R.I.T. Workbook, I invite you to visit www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you ] And if you missed the session or want to revisit the message, you can also check out my TEDx Talk: The Power of G.R.I.T. Thank you once again, Adam and NASA, for giving me the platform to share this mission and for all you do to champion student success across Nevada and beyond. Let’s continue lifting others as we climb—one gritty step at a time.

Embracing Grit and Community in Education: Strategies and Insights for Teachers As I reflect on both shared and individual childhood experiences, I am reminded of the incredible power of grit, the passion and perseverance that fuel our journeys. Yet, one important question remains: What happens when grit alone isn't enough? In our classrooms, many students face systemic barriers that grit alone cannot overcome. That’s why it’s essential for educators to understand that grit must be supported by community, self-efficacy, and equity-driven practices. Understanding Grit in the Classroom Angela Duckworth defines grit as a sustained commitment to long-term goals despite obstacles. But through my own work and the development of the G.R.I.T. Framework, I’ve found that true grit includes more than persistence. It’s also about Growth mindset, Resilience, Intentional self-efficacy, and Time management—all supported by a strong community and a belief in one’s ability to succeed. To learn more about this approach, check out my TEDx Talk: ๐ฅ [ “The Power of G.R.I.T.” TEDx Talk ] And if you're looking for practical tools to implement in your classroom or school community, you can explore and download the G.R.I.T. Framework and G.R.I.T. Workbook on my website, www.india-white.com ๐ Let’s explore how educators can integrate these principles to help every student not only persist—but thrive. 1. Cultivate a Supportive Community โ
Build Relationships Create a safe, inclusive environment by getting to know your students. Invite them to share their stories and experiences to strengthen classroom trust. โ
Use Storytelling as Empowerment Lean into Rudine Sims Bishop’s concept of mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors—letting students see themselves, others, and opportunities through storytelling. Representation matters. 2. Acknowledge Systemic Barriers โ
Name the Inequities Be honest about the social, economic, and cultural challenges your students may face. Acknowledgment leads to empowerment and helps normalize discussions around equity. โ
Share Your Journey Talk about your own privileges and struggles. Vulnerability builds bridges and shows students that growth is possible; even through adversity. 3. Empower Student Leadership โ
Promote Collective Agency Encourage students to be “ genius influencers ”—train them to see themselves as leaders who support one another and recognize their ability to shape positive change in their communities. โ
Foster Collaboration Group work and peer learning cultivate community resilience and affirm the idea that we rise together. 4. Embrace Culturally Relevant Teaching โ
Make Learning Reflective Design curriculum that reflects your students’ lived experiences and cultures . This combats bias and validates identity for all learners (Ladson-Billings, 1994). โ
Encourage Critical Consciousness Help students think deeply about social justice, equity, and their own role in fostering inclusive environments. 5. Build Strong Mathematical Identities โ
Promote Belonging in Math Create learning spaces where every student—especially those with disabilities or marginalized identities, which this helps students feel capable, celebrated, and seen . โ
Use Real-World Connections Ground math in everyday experiences. When students see how math connects to THEIR world, they’re more likely to engage meaningfully. This helps to eliminate any invisible barriers and mistrust in the classroom. 6. Implement Dr. India’s G.R.I.T. Framework :) โ
Foster Self-Efficacy Help students set achievable goals and celebrate small wins. Confidence grows when students believe their effort matters, and that you believe in them. โ
Build Support Networks Facilitate relationships with mentors, peers, and community members who can serve as allies in your students’ educational journey. (Don't underestimate the power of community) Learn more and access the full G.R.I.T. Framework and accompanying workbook at: ๐( https://www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you) Final Thoughts: My Humanity Is Tied Up in Yours; We're in this Together! The journey of teaching is deeply human. Every interaction we have with students—every lesson, every word of encouragement, every challenge we help them overcome—shapes not only their lives, but our own. Let’s recommit ourselves to teaching with grit, grace, and empathy. Now, here are some Teacher Action Tips for your consideration: Make space for storytelling in your classroom. Reflect on and address systemic inequities regularly. Facilitate peer support systems. Use culturally relevant texts and lessons. Set and celebrate realistic goals with students. Show students they matter—every single day. References Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. Sims Bishop, R. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 6(3), 9–11. Ladson-Billings, G. (1994). The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children. Jossey-Bass. White, I. (n.d.). G.R.I.T. Framework. Retrieved from [www.india-white.com](https://www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you) TEDx Talk: [The Power of G.R.I.T.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9YQOtryL7w&t=1s) Together, we can build resilient, empowered learners—one gritty classroom at a time. ๐ช๐ #GRITinEducation #EquityInLearning #CulturallyRelevantTeaching #StudentEmpowerment #TeacherLeadership #GrowthMindset #DrIndiaWhite