Last week in a therapy group, somebody used the word “flexpectations” to describe an effective coping strategy. Rather than getting stuck in and disappointed by expectations and assumptions, this person tried flexibly adapting their expectations as situations developed and changed.
Since then, I’ve worked on flexpectations while planning trips for September and May and — despite my old habit of expecting disappointment — good things are happening when I least expect them!
Let’s practice flexpectations as we make our way through the rest of this blog post.
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Here and now, I have flexpectations about meteors, social media, Bomb Pops, and handshakes.
Here’s what I find when I search YouTube for “flexpectations.”
I have flexpectations about what comments I’ll get about this post and I have gratitude for all who helped me create it, including YOU!
The Year(s) of Living Non-Judgmentally 
Thanks for always sharing so greatly, Ann.
Thanks for sharing, my great friend.
Hmm, having flexpectations seems like an excellent idea these days Ann. These and always.
I found out quite by chance that in my city there is a $500 fine for feeding any bird or wildlife except hummingbirds.
I’ve been feeding crows everyday since 2013. I wonder if that adds up to one $500 fine (One type of bird) or $500 times the thousands of times I have tossed nuts and cheese to the crows and ravens?
I will try to maintain flexpectations about the outcome.
Fortunately the neighboring community where I used to feed crows with my mother does not have this fine on their books. As far as I know.
We talked about crows in my group last night, Maureen, and how wonderful they are. My flexpectation is that you and the crows will be fine.
💜
I’m just enjoying the word “flexpectations”. I think it’s a very useful term and describes something we should all have.
And I’m enjoying your comment, Chris, which met my flexpectations.
I love the idea of ‘flexpectations,’ it takes so much pressure off, knowing that situations rarely turn out as planned.
I love that you love that, beth.