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All the things about strumming that I wish somebody told me:
The number one thing i wish someone told me long ago about strumming is to try to play softer. Dont strike the strings when playing a chord. You dont need to play full volume at all times. Most of the time you are trying to play at the minimum volume possible (unless your rocking out ) which is really hard to do but sounds wayyyy better and less harsh the lighter you touch them even when playing fast.
You more or less drag the pick over the strings at an angle. It reminds me of the little finger things that make the tick noise when they spin the wheel on Wheel of Fortune. My father inlaw compares it to how you paint trim with a brush. You flip one way then flip it the other when you change direction.
Personally i also twist the pick so that its never square to the strings. Seems to glide over them easier.
Slowly Teach your self to use thicker picks. Light are garbage. Medium are ok if you dont flat pick but you really need a stiff pick for more control.
Also despite being taught to play all 6 strings in a chord this almost never sounds good in a song. You usually are only using the bass half for most of the strum patternand then only the treble half on up strums for a more jangle sound.