Memo 008: In Myself I Trust

The case for becoming your own foundation

Opening Statement

Let the record reflect: I am my own foundation.

As I turn thirty this week, I’m realizing that becoming the woman I admire has required one thing above all else: unwavering self-trust. Not because I’ve always had the answers, but because I’ve learned that no one else does either.

This week’s briefing is about full ownership. Not just of your future—but of your past. Of the choices you made when you didn’t know better, and the ones you’re ready to make now that you do.

Because the truth is, we don’t become her by seeking validation. We become her by honoring ourselves like we are the love of our lives. By becoming so deeply reliable to ourselves that the idea of being “chosen” by someone else feels like a bonus, not a necessity.

This memo is for anyone who's ever felt like they were too much, too ambitious, too sensitive, or too demanding. It’s not true. You were just never taught to put yourself first.

Exhibits

Gloss Docket

Grabbing: Colourpop So Juicy Plumping Lip Liner and a bottle of Rosé.

Listening: 2000s romcom playlists

Obsessing: planning a themed weekend with your girls (Camp Alyssa was literally so slay, go check out my Insta for more content)

Styling: these perfect cherry Coach kitten heels my bestie, Z, got me for my bday

Stepping into: choosing yourself no matter what

Testimony

May it please the well-glossed: the risk of betting on yourself once is nothing compared to the pain of abandoning yourself every day.

In my early twenties, I thought security came from being in a relationship.
If I had someone to share a life with, I was doing something right.
But I started to notice something:
I was consistently waiting for someone else’s energy to determine the temperature of my own world. A stamp of approval from someone else before I decided I felt good too.

This need for external validation and approval was not always romantic. Sometimes its that friendship that’s slightly co-dependent, or how many likes your Instagram post receives.

Eventually, I realized I didn’t want to outsource my happiness anymore.
I wanted to build a life that felt exciting on its own.
A routine I loved. A space I was proud of. A creative path that belonged to me.
I wanted to know that even on the off days, I had me.

That shift—toward self-trust, self-prioritization, self-direction—changed everything.
Now, I know: if I like the way I spend my time, who I surround myself with, how I feel about myself . . . then I’m good.

The best part?
When you build a life that supports, excites, and reflects your deepest desires, no one can take it from you. It doesn’t mean every day is perfect. It means your peace is no longer up for negotiation.

So let this be your reminder:
A well-glossed life is one where you are the constant.
The romance, the career, the applause? All icing. You’re the foundation.

Your assignment? This week, audit your foundations.

Where in your life are you still outsourcing your confidence, your energy, or your sense of security? Identify one area where you can reclaim that power and let us know in the Post-Briefing Chambers.

Closing Argument

Let the record reflect: when you back yourself, the universe falls in line.

No external approval, no romantic partner, no job title can guarantee fulfillment. The only verdict that matters is the one you deliver to yourself: I am capable and I am the love of my life.

You don’t need anyone else to co-sign your dream to make it real.
You are the lead counsel, the star witness, and the final authority.

The future you want doesn’t require perfection. It just requires conviction.
So build your case. Stack the evidence. Take the stand on your own behalf.

The well-glossed don’t wait for permission or rely on the external.
We move forward confidently, knowing we’ve already won by choosing ourselves.

So, go.

Briefing adjourned.

Xo,

Alyssa, CGO