“I hated my own voice,” says Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige hated the sound of her own voice.

The Grammy winner “didn’t like” the sound of her own voice for years – but her journey to self-love has helped change her mind.

Mary, 53, said on “TODAY with Hoda and Jenna”: “I didn’t like the sound of my voice.

“But now I listen to my music and now I love everything about myself, I do.

“I used to hate everything about myself. The sound of my voice, the sound of my speaking voice. And I was just afraid of hearing music as an answer.”

Mary’s journey to self-love has actually helped change her entire outlook on life.

The chart-topper explained: “We grow up thinking that we’re not allowed to show off or love ourselves, and now I do all that. I brag and boast and love myself because I deserve it.”

“I have so much fun with myself. I say, ‘Girl, you look so good. I’m so proud of you. Oh, that looks great on you.’ And I’m alone a lot, so I always say, ‘Oh Mary, I love that! Let’s wear that tonight. It’s going to be hot!’

“I am my friend, you know, and I love myself.”

Nevertheless, Mary admits that she still has mistakes and that she is constantly trying to learn and improve.

The “Family Affair” singer, who has also had great success as an actress, is determined to “do the right thing” in her life.

Mary said, “I’m not perfect, but I strive to be better and that’s what I love about myself. I love the fact that I want to do the right thing even when it’s hard.”