{"id":2275,"date":"2021-02-10T03:35:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T03:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.alchemyfor.life\/balancecoaching\/?p=2275"},"modified":"2025-06-24T15:29:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T15:29:39","slug":"reverse-birthday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alchemyfor.life\/balancecoaching\/2021\/02\/10\/reverse-birthday\/","title":{"rendered":"Reverse Birthday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I have a confession. When the kids were younger and it was my birthday, I couldn’t help myself. When I was married my wife was a stay at home mom. I had no expectations of presents and like the cliche you only learn once you become a parent, it truly meant the most to me to get a present from my kids that they created. I still feel that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, I couldn’t help myself, and when we were out to dinner for my birthday, I would get the kids presents. A little something here and there. “Why not?” I would say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then it happened again the next year. And the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And thus the “Reverse Birthday” was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIsclaimer<\/span><\/strong>: I want to make it clear that I am not talking about NOT being humble, or trying to “control” everything by being the one with the power\/money at the time. As I said the presents little kids (and even big kids and big, fully functioning adults) create are the most precious and valuable. It’s just something I did to see joy in other people’s faces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sorry I had to make the disclaimer, but I want NO misconceptions here for the 2% of people that might skim this and click their tongues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving on…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I want to continue that tradition with you. I can’t buy everyone something. And something I create has the most meaning. So what can I get you for my Reverse Birthday (yeah, it’s actually today)? I’m an Aquarius, if you hadn’t figured that out already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Reverse Birthday Present<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Part of what gives validity to “the thought that counts” is getting something that they actually find joy with. So, the only way I know you found joy is if you’ve already gotten one. So, if you pick up a copy of one of my books, I will send you a signed copy of another (it can be the same book if that’s what you want).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meaning, if you pick up a copy of The Sword and the Sunflower<\/em>, I will send you a signed copy of Amira<\/em>, or another copy of The Sword and the Sunflower<\/em> to give to a friend. If you buy The Status Game II<\/em>, I can send you a copy of Alchemy For Life: Formulas for Success<\/em>. Book for a book. This offer is available for the following physical books: The Sword and the Sunflower<\/a>, Amira<\/a>, Alchemy for Life: Formulas for Success<\/a>, The Status Game II<\/a>, OneSelf: Have Faith, In Yourself<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limitations <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. I can only send physical books<\/strong> to the continental united states<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. I can’t send you a physical book if you’ve gotten the audio book, or the kindle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. This offer is only good today<\/strong> (February 10th, 2021) through Valentines Day, 2021<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. This offer only applies to books purchased during the above aforementioned period<\/strong>, not to books you’ve already purchased.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How do I know you purchased the book in the first place? Because you upload an action shot to Amazon, and then email me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If it sounds convoluted, it’s not. it’s just a way for people to get the signed copy and avoid any… issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To get a Reverse Birthday Present from me<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Purchase one of the physical books mentioned above between February 10th, 2021 and February 14th, 2021.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Upload an action shot of you with the book to Amazon into that book’s area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Send an email to me<\/a> telling me that you did that (it helps if you include the user name so I know which one is you).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Pick a book, and let me know who I should address it to (meaning your first name, or the first name of the person you’re giving it to).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Provide our physical mailing address in the email.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Sit back and wait for the Reverse Birthday Present, knowing that you are just a fun person<\/span>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Perhaps you’ll continue the tradition of my Reverse Birthday, and maybe you’ll even use the signed book as your first gift to someone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Or, you could just click your tongue at how absurd this is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      NOTE THAT THIS OFFER HAS EXPIRED<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Transcript<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      You’re listening to the Mark Bradford Alchemy for Life podcast<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      Happy Reverse Birthday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Hey there \u2014 yes, it\u2019s Wednesday, not Sunday. But I have something to share. A confession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Birth of Reverse Birthday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      When my kids were young, I\u2019d sometimes buy them<\/em> little gifts on my<\/em> birthday.
      Why? Because it brought me joy. That became a tradition \u2014 a \u201creverse birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Not About Power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      This isn\u2019t about control or pride. The best gifts are handmade or heartfelt.
      Giving gifts brought me happiness \u2014 plain and simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Giving to You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      So let\u2019s continue the tradition \u2014 with you<\/em>.
      I can\u2019t buy everyone something, but I can give you something meaningful: a free signed book.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Here\u2019s the Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Buy one of my books, and I\u2019ll send you a signed physical copy of another \u2014 at my<\/em> expense.
      No strings attached. Just joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n