**The Great Girlfriends co-founder Sybil Amuti, living her best, joyous life! Photo: sybilamuti.com**

Am I the only one who buys new underwear when traveling?… Is that too much information? If so, disregard!
But if not, you'll understand how my travel habit led me to meet a dynamic woman named Ms. Virginia who you can thank for my 2020 sparkle and shine!

With every trip comes new undies. It's a habit I started many years ago that now takes place on almost every trip. When I love a city, I buy undies to commemorate my time there, and on my last undies excursion I met a wonderful woman named Ms. Virginia.

Ms. Virginia was a remarkably dressed, lively woman who was the life of the store. I admired her from afar as she almost glided through the aisles with her creme lace long sleeve top with matching slacks, and gold toe loafers. Her arms were loaded with beautiful ornate bracelets, each one telling a part of her story. With her subtle make-up and freshly curled hair, Ms. Virginia's seasoned voice spoke "I love you" to almost every person she encountered.

I wanted to experience Ms. Virginia up close and personal, so I found my way into her aisle only to be greeted with a warm smile and a bright "Hello, I love you!" She was everything I envisioned from afar and felt in my soul. Her infectious warmth and vibrancy reminded me of the women I desire to be when I'm her age.

After about 15 minutes of conversation over her precious jewels, how to bargain with diamond dealers and her love for Creflo Dollar, I thanked her for the experience that she offered me.

Within a matter of minutes, I learned what I will now share with you:

1. Sparkle and shine are essential - Ms. Virginia had on bracelets she purchased in New Orleans that dated back to the 1800s. Her jewels matched her personality to the T! Your personality and presence go hand in hand!

Find a little something every day that makes you shine and rock it!

2. Spread love everywhere you go - Ms. Virginia was so busy spreading her love, that she was barely found shopping. Her heart and intention were evident with every person she encountered.

3. Live in the moment - With every compliment I offered Ms. Virginia she responded: "Well, go get you one!" Her response reminded me to take moments where I celebrate myself and indulge in things that I love versus always planning for the future.

When you see me spreading glitter, love and magnetic moments in 2020, know that I have been fully inspired and ignited by Ms. Virginia, the southern belle whose life serves as a whole lesson for me!

***Let love power your journey this year!***

Reference: The Great Girlfriends NewsLetter

About the Author - Sybil Amuti is a strategist, entrepreneur, mentor, mom, speaker, change agent and co-founder of The Great Girlfriends Podcast & Conference. Sybil is an executive brand strategist, podcast producer, and co-host, philanthropist, coach, wife, and mother. She holds a B.S. in urban studies from Dillard University and an M.S. in urban planning from Columbia University.

Living & Learning: Finding Joy in the Present