Jen Louden is one of my most important friends. We met fifteen years ago (it might even be more), when a mutual friend suggested we be part of a mastermind group together. Honestly, I wasn’t sure it would last. She was the best-selling author of The Women’s Comfort Book, the first mega-selling book on self-care … and what I assumed was likely a whole bunch of touchy-feely, self-indulgent stuff that was not really my thing at all. And yet, here we are. I love her and I admire her work, in particular her new book Why Bother? When times are hard, one reaction is often apathy. There are things to do … but why bother? Jen’s struggled with that, and has written a book that shares in a practical, compassionate and non-trite way how to find your way back to purpose, engagement and, ultimately, yourself.  In our conversation we talk about the myths of self-comfort, and how it’s often hard, not soft; how it’s possible to have self-compassionate grit; why you have to be alert for key moments of transition; the power of Conditions of Enoughness; and how (to everyone’s surprise) Jen ended up being a committed trail runner. You can meet Jen at her website www.Jenniferlouden.com and follow her on Instagram at @JenLouden.  This show is brought to you by The Advice Trap, Michael Bungay Stanier’s latest book. You can access a wide range of tools to help #TameYourAdviceMonster at www.TheAdviceTrap.com If you’d like to spend more time with Michael and people he admires, sign up for The Year of Living Brilliantly. 52 teachers over 52 weeks, each teaching one brilliant insight. Absolutely free.