The September Reset
Annie’s Book Club No. 04
In edition number four, AnneKee shares the one book she carries into the new season, alongside five Bach remedies to support the transition.
Hi there, this is Annie and welcome to my Book Club... I loved seeing your book recommendations come in over summer. I suggest we continue to connect over drops, astrology and literature as we move into the new season.
The September Reset
We slow down over summer. Longer days, holidays, sunshine... But now work starts, calendars fill up and everyone seems to switch back on.
September has always felt more like a fresh start to me than January. This month quite literally marks a new year for me, since I celebrate my birthday on the fourteenth. But it is not just that. I feel recharged after summer. Lit up, calm and ready to begin again.
This year's August eclipse has made this reset feel even more real. I love astrology and mysticism, but you do not have to believe in any of that to recognise that summer is ending and we are beginning again.
A few weeks ago, I was at the Harper’s Bazaar Book Club at the Rijksmuseum. Seated in the incredible library, surrounded by inspiring writers, I felt inspired to write again. So here we are. One book, post-holiday, pre-new year.
The One Book
Right after my Ibiza holidays, a friend of mine recommended me to read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. I know, I am late to the party. I have seen the orange cover everywhere. And while I do not always appreciate the tone, I really value the message.
Because despite the title, this book is not about not caring. It is about choosing what is worth caring about. And this feels particularly relevant for me in September. It feels like there is a lot to manage, which makes it feel tempting to rush into things from the start.
I would describe this book to be an easy read, but not one I would reach for at bed time. Without any romance, this book has reminded me what to focus on when starting off anew.
The September Reset is about getting clear on what actually matters and having the courage to live accordingly. I believe that a new cycle does not ask for reinvention, but the courage to begin again. We often assume confidence comes before action: "Once I feel confident, I will do it.” But I have come to believe that confidence is built the other way around.
"Confidence is accepting that not everyone is going to like you" — Jay Shetty
Confidence — Larch
Easier said than done, huh? For me, this is where Larch comes in. These drops help me feel the emotions that come with a lack of confidence in my own abilities.
The Larch Flower Remedy is traditionally for those moments when you let the fear of not being good enough stop you before you have even tried. I reach for Larch when I notice myself looking for reassurance, overthinking what someone might think of me, or questioning whether I am capable enough to do something in the first place.
Bach Flower Remedies are widely available around the world. Depending on where you live, you can usually find the individual bottles at pharmacies, health food stores and natural health shops, as well as online.
Courage — Mimulus
Now confidence and courage are not the same thing. Confidence says: “I believe I can,” where courage says: “I feel afraid, but I am doing it anyway.”
"Fear is not the problem, the absence of courage is."
Whenever I feel afraid or anxious, I reach for the Mimulus remedy. Flower Remedies are not about making the sensations disappear. I can name many times I needed a little extra courage and referred to the Mimulus remedy for emotional support. I see the drops as a support in allowing myself to sit with the physical sensations, rather than to be pushing it away.
Courage is feeling fear but moving forward anyway. That is why this yellow flower belongs in my September Reset. Mimulus is associated with the everyday fears we can name: failure, rejection, speaking up, starting something new, being judged.
"Fear does not need to disappear. Sometimes we need enough courage to move while it is still there."
And let Mimulus be one of the remedies I am currently exploring for the first ever Annie’s Alchemia Flower Blend...
Boundaries — Centaury
September gets busy quickly. It becomes even more important to decide what deserves our energy and what our priorities are. This is where Centaury comes in: boundaries baby! Because choosing what to give a f*ck about also means choosing what not to give a f*ck about. This remedy reminds me of the difference between being kind and adapting.
Self-Acceptance — Crab Apple
Setting boundaries becomes a lot easier when our sense of self-worth is not dependent on other people’s approval. This brings me to the next: Crab Apple. One of my personal favourites.
Boundaries and self-worth are closely connected: it feels easier to stay true to myself when I accept who it is that I am. And a September Reset can easily turn into a self-improvement project. New season, new goals. Improve this, fix that. Crab Apple reminds me that growth and self-acceptance are not opposites.
"I may want something to change and still accept who I am today."
Change — Walnut
And finally, Walnut. These drops are traditionally associated with periods of change and transition. Think summer into autumn and holiday into work. I grab onto this bottle whenever I feel like a protective, hard shell to surround me. Because change does not have to be dramatic to require adjustment.
These are the five remedies I have found myself coming back to over the past few weeks. Both when creating blends or myself as well as for the people I love.
How I Take My Drops
I add two drops of each chosen remedy to a glass of water or drink of my choice (matcha!) and sip this throughout the day. But always follow the dosage and preparation instructions provided with the remedies used.
Larch — I trust myself enough to try
Mimulus — I choose courage
Centaury — I stay true to myself
Crab Apple — I accept myself
Walnut — I embrace change
For this September selection, you can choose the remedy or remedies that resonate most, rather than assuming you need all five.
If you feel like you would benefit from more than one, I recommend you to buy a 30ml blending bottle. Fill this up with filtered water and add three drops of each bottle to your own personalised blend.
The Book Club
One thing I realised at the Harper’s Bazaar Book Club, is that the best part of a book club is not the books. For me, it is talking about them together. And I would love for Annie’s Book Club to grow. Let's connect, share and meet offline very soon...
What are you reading? What book should I read next? Which book changed your mind? And what would you like me to write about in the next edition?
Email me your recommendations, thoughts and ideas. I will read along and keep the conversation going.
We are working on bringing Annie’s Book Club offline, with actual face-to-face book clubs. If you would like to join us, subscribe below to be the first to receive more information about upcoming editions and events.
And before I forget: I am giving away one fresh copy of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Tell me: what is worth caring about this September? I will pick one of your stories and send the book your way.
This is my September Reset. One book, five remedies. Consider this your invitation... Let's read, learn and connect.
