Recently, the world's best dog, Gus, had a small procedure on his eyelid and was forced to wear the "cone of shame" for a week.  I'm not sure if anything is as sad as a dog with a new cone on their head!  Gus tended to just sit without moving, trying to figure out how to see and wondering what this giant annoyance was.  Of course, the first day or two he was also running into walls and furniture, and being quite tentative at all times.  

Sophia, skittish as a rule, was terrified of the horrible cone and was anticipating its attack at any moment!

But, as we all know, after a couple of days Gus figured out how to maneuver with the cone and Sophia relaxed a little and was able to be in the same room with Gus without fear.  Gus even managed to decipher a way to cuddle with the cone on, which was a great relief to the entire household.

Change is difficult, and any new addition or disruption can seem catastrophic at first.  But, over time, we all adapt to the newness until the day comes that we completely stop noticing it altogether.

I recently added a Harry Potter "Deathly Hallows" key chain to my rear view mirror.  The first couple of days the noise of it swinging and banging around drove me crazy.  But now after a week or two, I forget it's there.  

I also recently was given one of those old 10 dollar bills with the president's face in the center of the bill, rather than larger on the side.  I remarked this old bill looked really odd to me now, although i remember well how shocked I was when they changed the design….at first!

So when changes come, wade through the disruption or uncomfortable feelings, knowing that you'll adapt and get used to the change.  One word of warning, however: This same phenomenon can allow us to get used to BAD changes in our lives, new lazy habits and the like, so at least be paying attention.  But when the change is not hurtful, relax and know that the feeling of newness and strangeness will pass.