Five Things I Do For Fun

Who doesn’t love a good list? Here are mine—five things that bring me joy (not in any particular order):

1. Reading

Reading is my oldest habit. I’ve been devouring books since I was a little girl, sitting on urban buses winding through Rio de Janeiro. A good book in my hands means I’m never really alone.

But here’s the thing: I don’t keep track of what I read. I don’t publish yearly lists or stress about documenting every page in an app. I read for the pure pleasure of it—not to brag, not to add another thing to my to-do list. Someone recommends a good book? I’ll probably check it out. But if it’s not working for me, I won’t feel guilty about setting it down.

Not too long ago, I gave myself permission to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book without shame. I realized I was stopping reading altogether because I felt obligated to finish everything I started. Life is short. Make sure you enjoy good books.

2. Walking

I lump hiking into this one, because honestly, it doesn’t matter where I’m walking—it’s the walking itself that matters. It organizes my thoughts, pulls me outside, and does wonders for my body and mind in ways I can’t fully explain. There’s something about moving through the world on foot that just works.

3. Hot Tubbing

Is that a verb? Well, it is for me. I’ve been hot tubbing consistently for five years now, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The temperature varies by season—in summer it’s more like body temperature, which is absolutely divine. And my main reason for being in that tub? See #1 above. Nothing beats a good book and warm water.

4. Downhill Biking

Mountain biking gives me a kind of pleasure that very few sports can touch. It’s meditation on steroids: you either show up fully present, or you end up on the ground. It’s technical, it’s fun, it can be as hard as you want it to be depending on which trails you choose. The downside? We can only do it for less than three months a year here. I count the days.

5. Travelling

I started travelling for work when I joined Automattic, but travelling has always been fun for me—even before it became part of my job. I started late in life and made it a point to see as much as I could of our magical planet. I’ve done it in every way imaginable: planes, cruises, cargo ships, sailing boats, cars, on foot, by bus. Each way of moving through the world teaches you something different.

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These five things keep me grounded, growing, and genuinely happy. They’re woven through my life in ways that feel essential.

So tell me—what brings you joy? What’s on your list?