This gratitude journal was created to help foster self-esteem, mental strength, and peace in Black Americans (Freedman, Foundational Black American, Copper Colored Indigenous, & ADOS). It contains gratitude prompts in English and the Tut language. The Tut language was created by our ancestors in the 18th century in the southern states of America to communicate at a time when literacy was illegal for Black Americans. Tut is included to honor the ancestors, resilience, and ingenuity that exist within us today. This journal also contains powerful quotes from Black Americans who have transitioned or are still alive, promoting encouragement, goal achievement, success, and self-determination.

Each journal page includes space to record expressions of gratitude, daily reflections, memories of positive interactions, and more.

As we express gratitude in the language our ancestors created under oppression, we become the great alchemists just like them. Black Americans have resilience built into their epigenetics after being crystallized under a crucible for 500 years. We have influenced the globe ten times over with our creations in music, inventions, science, culture, food, dance, worship, and language. We are a unique group with so much to be grateful for. This book is dedicated to that legacy. Let us always be grateful and remember our ancestors, so the current of greatness stays open and ever increases.

Practicing gratitude has been scientifically linked to improved self-esteem and mental strength. Research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a significant role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in Behavior Research and Therapy found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experienced lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more -a major factor in reduced self-esteem-grateful people can appreciate other people's accomplishments as well as their own.

This gratitude journal is designed to

Improve emotional regulation. Increase positive mood. Foster hope for the future. Reduce stress and burnout Increase resilience.