Today it became real. Rooted & Real is officially out. This project stretched me, healed me, and shaped me. Grateful for every lesson that built these pages. Order here: westbowpress.com/en/bookstor… More when I’m back from my Bestie’s trip but today, I’m celebrating what God just did.

It’s official. 🙏🏾 Woodward High School Hall of Fame — Class of 2027. Before the degrees, titles, books, and everything God has allowed me to accomplish, I was a young man walking the halls of Woodward with no idea where life would take Grateful. Humbled. Still taking it all in.

Get your copy today instagram.com/p/DYgKP8UgL5t/

LETS GOOOOOOOO!

I didn’t stay because it was working. I stayed because it was right. Not everything has opened yet, but there’s enough evidence to know I’m not off. First post here from my Substack: I Kept Showing Up Anyway open.substack.com/pub/drvash…

An honor to be passed the gavel as President of @GKCMOPA. Grateful for Dr. Reagan Allegri’s leadership and the strong foundation she leaves behind. The focus now is alignment, ensuring everything we do is rooted in developing and supporting the leaders we serve. #Alignment

There’s a difference between choosing and reaching. Reaching reacts to discomfort. Choosing pauses and moves from alignment. Not everything that drifts is meant to be chased. If it costs your peace, it may not be your assignment. open.substack.com/pub/drvash…

Honored to be featured at the BLOC Casino Night Gala. Grateful for the opportunity to share my journey in education and the heart behind Rooted & Real. The quiet work is always worth it. 📖♠️ #RootedAndReal #Purpose #Leadership

Relief feels safe, but it can quietly keep you in cycles. This week’s Quiet Work letter is about the difference between distraction and devotion, control and surrender. False safety steadies you temporarily. Trust anchors you permanently. open.substack.com/pub/drvash…

Alignment Before Authority is live. You can lead well and still be quietly misaligned. Authority moves you forward; alignment keeps you rooted. open.substack.com/pub/drvash…

It’s live. Rooted & Real: The Quiet Letters just dropped on Substack. For anyone doing the quiet work, faith, leadership, growth, and becoming without rushing the process. Subscribe here 👇🏾 substack.com/@drvashawnsmith… 🌱 Read Week 1: open.substack.com/pub/drvash…

📖 I’m giving away 25 copies of Rooted & Real: 35 Days to Strengthen Your Soul and Walk in Purpose. January was full, my first book release in Omaha, my birthday, and welcoming MJ. February is about impact. Subscribe to my Substack + DM me for a copy. substack.com/@drvashawnsmith…

Rooted & Real: The Quiet Work begins where the book ends. Weekly letters on faith, leadership, and the unseen work of becoming, without rushing the process. First letter drops tomorrow at 5 PM. Follow here: substack.com/@drvashawnsmith

Just finished The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and this line sealed it for me: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” (1 Thess. 4:10–11) Not just a read, a mirror and a reset. Slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Presence over pressure. Purpose over pace.

Met Aaliyah during my first year as a principal—she was a teacher cadet and I believed in who she was becoming. We reconnected recently and celebrated my birthday over dinner tonight. Seeing the confident, purpose-driven woman she’s become reminded me why this work matters.

Last five copies from the first 100 books I ordered. Grateful for every seed planted, every conversation sparked, and every soul choosing to grow deeper. If you’ve got one of these, you’re part of the foundation. You can still get a copy at: westbowpress.com/en/bookstor… #RootedReal

I’ve done some pretty dope things in my career, but today is up there. Self-care PD this afternoon and our @GHS_GrandviewC4 staff engagement was off the chart. When we take care of our people, they show up stronger for kids. #GHSPRIDE #CultureMatters #StaffWellness