Dear Elle: Learning through Zoom has been fine, but it hasn’t been easy for me. That’s why I was so excited when the district announced the new hybrid schedule. The way last year ended, I was so excited to get back into the building with my friends and teachers.

But all of that changed when the district announced that they were holding off on the new hybrid schedule, and I’m really, really sad about it. I can’t bear the thought of ending this year the same way as last year, and I can already feel it affecting my motivation. I know I can’t do anything about the pandemic, but I really need some help if I’m going to make it through this school year.

Sincerely, Stuck At Home

DEAR STUCK AT HOME: 

I totally understand this feeling. Many of us have been in a slump since March, and we were looking forward to returning to school. It has been an incredibly stressful year, especially in an election limbo and with the pandemic dragging on (which feels like it’s never going away).

How do we trek on through November and the rest of the winter, knowing that there is so much uncertainty?

All we can do is to stop counting the days. Instead, let’s live in the moment, as cliche as that may be. We humans like to have a sparkly end result to chase. For me, it’s graduation. For others, it may be simply getting through the pandemic. Yet, if we always live our lives chasing the finish line, we can never focus on each day. Our days are full of color and light if we can find it, and even in the darkest of times, we can find things to keep us on a steady path.

One thing that I did is I bought some plants. This may seem like a simple thing, but just having something to take care of sparked some energy in my life. Some people find motivation in learning a new instrument or taking up a new hobby like skateboarding. I even have a friend who is learning to code in her spare time.

The bottom line is if you can find some ways to be kind to yourself, and goals you can set that don’t revolve around school or grades, it will inevitably raise your spirits and your motivation. You will get through this, just take time to slow down, and feel all your feelings.

Need advice on school, work, love, life, or anything else that’s weighing you down? Email Elle at [email protected], and she may respond to your letter in the online or print edition of The McHenry Messenger.