Lauren and I have been watching the Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon.

And I’ll level with you. It’s not my cup of tea.

During the most recent episode, I found myself daydreaming.

And as I slipped deeper and deeper into my reverie, I found myself perched on a throne, clasping a sword and keeping a beady eye on my loyal subjects. 

I had become King of the Seven Kingdoms!

A young warrior approached me.

She kneeled before me and spoketh thus:

Hark Your Royal Highness. I cometh before you seeking guidance and advice. 

To which I said:  

What troubleth you, young swordswoman?

She replied:

One day, many moons from now, I would like to rule over the Land of the Busy Bees whilst casting many spells, joy-riding my dragon and chomping on extravagant feasts galore. 

Yet I do worry.  My heart is burdened with doubts and uncertainties.

I fear my path may be filled with treacherous obstacles, cunning adversaries, back-stabbing and castle politics.

I wonder if it is worth sacrificing the simpler joys of life for status and grandeur.

And doubts linger that true fulfilment doth lie beyond the realm of power and prestige.

Could you enlighten me, oh mighty King?  Am I sipping from the cup of the poisoned Weirwood Tree?  I doth humbly seek your counsel.

I paused, breathed deeply and began my reply:

Kneel no more, young warrior.  For you have come to the right place.  

I can tell the burdens of sovereignty weigh heavy on…

Suddenly I awoke from my daydream with a jolt. 

An ad break had started. 

I glanced at the TV and Bella Hadid glanced back at me, trying to sell me Maybelline’s Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur (very convincingly, I might add).

The spell was broken.  My daydream was over.

(as is some poetic licence which I hope you’ll forgive, dear reader)

But still…

I wonder what advice I would’ve given that plucky young warrior if Bella Hadid hadn’t so rudely interrupted me.

I probably would’ve told her that her doubts are entirely natural and her questions had no answer.

So offering advice I would not dare.

Instead, I would help her see that the right answer is the answer that’s right for her.  And that by following her heart, she’ll find the path that’s right for her too.

And who knows.  Maybe she’ll ascend the throne, gouging my eyes out and chopping off my head in the process.

Or maybe she’ll fly home to her family castle and live a life of quiet solitude and reflection.

It matters not a jot. 

For at that moment, she will be where she rightfully belongs.

That’s it for today.

 - Tom

p.s. do you have a couple of friends or colleagues who’d enjoy this email? 

If so, hit forward and share the love.

And if they’d like to join the newsletter, I’ve put a handy sign-up link just here:

https://signup.followingfulfilment.com