My trip to Hawaii to swim with the dolphins with the Joyful Heart Foundation.
August 2006 Joyful Heart Retreat Participant Testimonial

The Joyful Heart Foundation was conceived by Mariska Hargitay in response to the letters she was receiving from sexual assault survivors who were reaching out to her because of the role she plays on television's Law and Order SVU. Throughout the year, this foundation finances retreats, mainly to Hawaii to swim with dolphins, to help survivors recover from sexual violence. Dolphins are known to have a powerful healing effect on people suffering from physical, mental, or emotional distress. more >

You're Beautiful
January, 2006 Joyful Heart Retreat Participant Testimonial

I've spent so much time in my life beating myself up. I've starved, over exercised, binged, drank, smoked and yelled at myself for not being good enough. When my friend asked me if I wanted to go to Hawaii with a foundation that brings sexual assault victims to swim with the dolphins, I said yes right away but didn't know what to expect. It was amazing. At a place called Paradise Point, with the sound of the waves in the background and plumeria sprinkled over the ground, all the pressures of the world went away. An underlying understanding between the women quickly developed, like we were letting each other know that we were each taking a break from life and that we were not alone. Rarely do I take time out of the schedules I set to find myself, love myself and just be who I truly am. In that week with the warmth of the counselors, the courage of the women, the love of the dolphins, and the good vibe, I allowed myself to stop sucking in, stop criticizing and let my goofy self come out. more >