Passion is a gift. It fuels our purpose, drives us toward meaningful work, and helps us invest deeply in people and causes we care about. But passion can also become a double-edged sword. When we allow it to spill into every corner of our lives without boundaries, we risk exhaustion, burnout, and strained relationships.

How many times have you tried to help someone work through personal problems and found them getting “stuck” at some point along the way? One area where this often happens is in the process of forgiveness and healing from past hurts. Many of us, despite our best intentions, have had times when true forgiveness just seemed out of reach. Sometimes forgiveness feels too much like letting the other person off the hook. Or we try to forgive and move on, but something happens and the old hurt and anger flare up as strongly as ever.

The whole idea of setting boundaries and saying no can feel selfish. Sometimes it can feel downright impossible, yet there are always more needs around us than we can possibly meet. When juggling multiple priorities, how do you even figure out what to say no to? And when is saying no not just acceptable, but even the loving thing to do?

When preparing to live in a new location, it can be tough to determine how to create a foundation for emotional and spiritual health while living overseas.  Here are ideas to help set that healthy foundation in order to thrive while serving.