Fear makes us diminish ourselves.

When we act out of fear, when the voice of the critic is loud in our head, we become sheepish, we feel like hiding away.

We become our most limited self, the one who doesn't want to stand for something, the one who wants to play safe.

We might seek reassurance at this moment, but that too is a fleeting bird. It goes away as soon as it comes and we can never get enough of it.

How can we counter this state of mind?

Sometimes, changing the context, maybe by reading something positive, talking to someone, listening to music, going for a walk, might work.

But sometimes, even that won't. What we need to remember in those times is that this too shall pass and tomorrow is going to be a new day.