November 27: The Letdown After a Big Day

The big day came and went. Now you’re tired, a little flat, and not sure why.

After a big holiday, a lot of people crash. The cooking, the driving, the people, the effort of staying calm and sober through all of it. It takes more out of you than you realize. Then it’s over, and the house is quiet, and you feel empty instead of relieved.

Sometimes the letdown has more in it. Maybe the gathering went badly. Maybe it went fine, but nobody noticed how hard you worked to stay sober. Maybe being around family stirred up old hurts that are still sitting in your chest. Maybe you were alone, and that hurt in its own way.

This is a vulnerable moment. Tired and flat is a common setup for cravings. The old brain says you got through it, so you deserve something. Be watchful.

Psalm 116 opens with a beautiful picture. I love the Lord, because He listens to my voice and my cries for mercy. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. Picture God leaning down, the way you’d bend toward a small child who’s trying to tell you something. He’s not too busy. He’s paying attention.

So call on Him. Tell Him how you feel. “I’m worn out. I don’t know why I feel so low.” That’s a real prayer, and He’s bending down to hear it.

Then take care of yourself. Sleep. Eat a real meal, not just leftovers standing at the fridge. Get outside. Go to a meeting, even if you don’t feel like talking. Call someone and tell them how the holiday went. The good parts and the hard parts.

And give yourself credit. If you stayed sober through a big holiday, that’s a big deal. Many people find holidays among the hardest days of the year. You made it through. Thank God for that.

One thing today

Do one restful thing and one connecting thing today. Rest might be a nap or a walk. Connecting might be a meeting or a call. Then tell God honestly how you’re feeling.

A prayer

Lord, I’m worn out and a little low. Thank You for bending down to listen. Thank You for getting me through. Give me rest, and keep me close to You while I recover my strength. Amen.

Prayer through every kind of day is part of Step Eleven.

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