40 over 40: Meet Emily

I’m excited to share another story from my 40 Over 40 project — this one featuring Emily, the heart behind Chestnut Services in Traverse City.

Emily wears many hats — mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, therapist, and entrepreneur. Through all of those roles, she has spent decades caring for and supporting others. In this season of life, she’s also making space to reflect on what it means to care for herself, stay connected to her intuition, and continue growing with intention.

What I love about Emily’s story is her perspective on aging. She writes about the wisdom that comes with experience, but also the renewed sense of possibility that can come with it. There’s no sense of “arriving” — just an openness to keep learning, evolving, and becoming more aligned with who she is.

Here is Emily’s story…

My name is Emily, and I move through the world as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, therapist, and entrepreneur—roles that have shaped me in both grounding and humbling ways. In this season of my life, I feel deep gratitude for hard-earned wisdom, steady curiosity, and a growing commitment to true personal alignment.

After decades of supporting others—professionally, personally, and in community—I’ve come to understand what sustains me: meaningful connection, intuitive guidance, space for healing and reflection, and the willingness to keep learning every single day. Age has shown me that growth isn’t something we outgrow; it simply shifts, asking more honesty and more intention from us.

Connection matters to me—not surface-level interactions, but the kind that invites vulnerability, curiosity, and genuine presence. And as I keep evolving, I am increasingly committed to honoring my own needs. Staying aligned with my intuition is not a luxury; it is a compass. When I listen inward, I can show up for others with clarity and steadiness. When I care for myself, I create a foundation that allows my work, relationships, and community to flourish with integrity and alignment.

I feel deep gratitude for where I’ve been and anticipation for what comes next—new ideas, new people, and new ways of living rooted in authenticity. Wisdom comes with age and so does a renewed sense of possibility. I’m grateful to be here now, grounded and growing.