In an ESSENCE cover story exclusive, music icon Janet Jackson pens a deeply intimate message to Black women for the magazine's first-ever "Happiness" issue. In Letter From My Heart, the artist reveals herself like never before—connecting with the audience as she shares her personal journey to finding joy and happiness in her life.

In the essay, Jackson shares with her "ESSENCE Sistas" some of the lessons she learned from her childhood to adulthood—including her early struggles with depression, low self-esteem and failed relationships to her eventual growth as an artist, discovery of peace and learning to "fully embrace God's love." She shares:

In Her Childhood: "I was happy when my brothers came home from performing on the road. I was happy when my mother lavished me with love. But I wasn't happy with the way I looked…"

In Her Teens: "Happiness came when people asked me to perform…but I was happiest when I was pleasing others and not myself. An older and wiser Janet might have said, 'True happiness is knowing you're doing the best you can…'"

In Her Thirties: "These were difficult years, when I struggled with depression. The struggle was intense. I could analyze the source of my depression forever. Low self-esteem might be rooted in childhood feelings of inferiority. It could relate to failing to meet impossibly high standards. And of course there are always the societal issues of racism and sexism. Put it all together and depression is a tenacious and scary condition. Thankfully, I found my way way through it…"

Today, at 52: "Now the height of happiness is holding my baby son in my arms and hearing him coo, or when I look into his smiling eyes and watch him respond to my tenderness. When I kiss him. When I sing him softly to sleep. During those sacred times, happiness is everywhere. Happiness is in gratitude to God…"

The gorgeous GRAMMY award-winning singer and actress, who was photographed with members of her J Tribe dancers in the background, stuns as she donned clothing and accessories from designers such as Zac Posen, Givenchy, Haider Ackermann, Azzi & Osta and more.

For more on the July/August issue, which hits newsstands on June 22nd, or to purchase tickets for Janet's upcoming ESSENCE Festival® performance on Sunday, July 8th, visit ESSENCE.com.

About Essence Communications Inc.

Essence Communications is the number one media company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 16 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent African-American owned company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of women of color.