Paula Patton's split from Robin Thicke has been 'challenging'

Paula Patton admits her split from Robin Thicke has been "challenging."

The 39-year-old actress, who filed for divorce from the 'Blurred Lines' hitmaker last October following their separation in February 2014 after nine years of marriage, says she now feels a lot stronger and believes "everything happens for a reason."

The 'Baggage Claim' star said: "I'm doing really well. I mean, the honest truth is it has been challenging, but it's been a year of growth, lots of healing, learning about all new things, but I've come out of it stronger."

The brunette beauty credits their four-year-old son, Julian, for helping her to focus on the positive.

She told 'Good Morning America' in New York City: "The thing is you can't wallow in sadness or stay in bed when you have a child. And they're so full of life and wonder. And he brings me so much joy.

"My son's happy. And I'm very--you know, I feel like everything happens for a reason. And then you have to move on and grow from there."

"The truth is it's hard for me to say this because I don't always do this, but it's being grateful for what you have. It's so easy for us to focus on the negative things, but usually, the positive in your life outweighs that. And you have to just be thankful for what you have right now."

Robin, 37, initially spent several months trying to win Paula back after they separated amid cheating rumours and dedicated his seventh studio album, 'Paula', to her.

He also admitted he felt responsible for their split, saying: "I changed, and I got a little too selfish, a little too greedy and little too full of myself."