Janet Jackson: "I love my life"

Janet Jackson has revealed that she is happy with how her life turned out.

The singer told Essence that despite a difficult year that included her brother Michael's death and her split from longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri, she has come to terms with her issues.

"It took me a good minute to get here, it really did. But I love my life," she said.

"I only wish I had this confidence when I was younger."

Jackson added that she tries to maintain a positive attitude about getting older.

"Mother always raised us to believe that age was just a number. All of us - my sisters, my brothers - we'll just tell you our ages because it's all about where you are mentally and how you feel about yourself," she explained.

It was reported last month that Jackson is considering embarking on her first concert tour since 2002.