I feel confident I am the first and grateful for this realisation.

I've always been well aware that I will strive to seek the positive in most things...and if I struggle to find a positive I will be the first to ask myself "now what did you learn from that?"

It would be fair to say that the uncertainty of 2020 so far - the summer fires and then the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions - a glass half full attitude definitely is a blessing. See even now I am recognising the bright side.

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This positive attitude became all too clear recently while out for my morning walk.

It was a freezing morning with a wind chill factor of below freezing. Yet somehow in my haste to hit the walking track I forgot to put on a thick jacket, my gloves and my beanie.

Yet as I strolled along the path - my dog slowing my pace as he stopped to sniff every blade of grass, the foggy appearance of my breath as I exhaled, and noting the lack of feeling in my fingers - I thought to myself "my goodness it is good to be alive."

It was a random thought. It came out of no-where and I was shocked by the words almost as if they had been said by someone else.

It was then that I confirmed to myself that I really am a 'glass half full sort of person.'

You see despite the challenges of my trek in the freezing cold it was the birds chirping in the trees, the rising sun sparkling on the water near where I walked, the clean fresh morning air and the happy, inquisitive nature of my dog that had me most enthralled.

These were the qualities that were inspiring my positive attitude.

It then occurred to me that I was embracing these positives at a time when there were so many uncertainties in life, for everyone, brought about by the global pandemic.

At this point I also realised that despite these many uncertainties we have to embrace the good things in our lives to maintain our strength for those tough times and the challenges that could present at any time.

It may not always be easy but seeking the positives cost nothing, and it may well be the most affordable price to pay for a better mental attitude.

I understand that for some with diagnosed mental illnesses and conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the ability to find the positives are far more difficult, at times near impossible. However, if each day you wake and acknowledge just one blessing in life it could be beneficial. I have a friend with PTSD who does just that. That person is an inspiration to me.

So the next time you are struggling try to take on that 'glass half full attitude' - don't let the negatives in life hold you down.