Some decisions you make with your head. Others you make with your whole heart. Moving to Australia with one suitcase and nothing but an open mind? That was definitely the latter.
I sold everything. And I mean everything. The furniture, the knick-knacks, the accumulated stuff of a whole life. It was terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure. But somewhere underneath the nerves was a quiet certainty that this was exactly the right thing to do.
House Sitting, Pets & Finding My Feet
Since arriving, I've been house sitting — moving between beautiful homes, looking after properties and the most wonderful animals while their families travel. It's been an unexpectedly perfect way to settle into a new country. Each home has its own rhythm, its own personality, and I've met some truly lovely people along the way. (The pets have been an absolute highlight. There is nothing quite like a dog who decides you're their person.)
A Job, a Bully, and a Decision That Changed Everything
I did arrive with a job lined up, which felt like a safety net. But it didn't take long to realise the environment was toxic. I was being bullied — and I made the decision that I really didn't need that drama in my life. So I resigned.
It was scary. But it was also one of the best things I've ever done.
Building Something of My Own
Now I'm doing it — building my art and design business full time. It's a big challenge. Some days are hard. But I get to spend my days creating, designing, and bringing Australian wildlife to life through my painting kits. There's something deeply satisfying about that, even on the difficult days.
Art by Ira is more than a business to me. It's proof that starting over — really starting over — is possible at any stage of life.
And the Best Part of All
In the middle of all this upheaval and new beginnings, I got to meet my new granddaughter. 💛 If there's a better reminder of why life is worth showing up for, I haven't found it yet.
So here I am — one suitcase lighter, one whole world richer. Thank you for being part of this journey.
— Ira