Dear Nobody, with Sally Yapto

Dear Nobody, with Sally Yapto

by Sally Yapto

Performing Arts Personal Journals

Cutting Away The Bad Luck

Dear Nobody, as one zodiac year ends and another begins, there is a distinct feeling of renewal in the air. In this episode, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse and reflect on the "bad luck" of the passing year—from health struggles to the injuries that impacted my career in piano—and why I am so ready to start fresh. We dive into five staple traditions that define Lunar New Year, from the mandatory haircut to wash away negative energy to the specific rules and joy of receiving red envelopes. As a Chinese Indonesian living in the States, celebrating these traditions often feels a bit different than it did back home. We talk about the bittersweet reality of missing family reunions due to the changing lunisolar calendar and why it is so important to keep these rituals alive, even when you are far away. Whether it is wearing the brightest red to ward off evil spirits or reminding a friend not to sweep away their good luck, this episode is about finding home in your traditions, no matter where you are in the world.

Different Fonts of Love

Dear Nobody, knowing your love language is a great asset in any relationship, but especially for the one you have with yourself. In this episode, we celebrate the "love month" by unpacking my latest quiz results—and it was a total shocker. I’m diving into why my preference for "Words of Affirmation" dropped from my #1 spot in high school to a mere 3% today, and why I now value Quality Time above everything else, especially while navigating a long-distance relationship. We also explore how love languages are often culturally inclined, specifically looking at the "Acts of Service" that define many Asian households. From the classic "have you eaten yet?" to the peace offering of a plate of cut fruit, I reflect on the transition from the unspoken love of my upbringing in Indonesia to the more outspoken, physical affection I’ve embraced living in the States. It’s a conversation about breaking the cycle, making your loved ones feel seen, and why implementing all five languages is the secret to a healthy, lasting connection.

The Art of Not Rushing

Dear Nobody, taking the time to do something is not a waste of time, especially if it's for yourself. It’s called an investment. I used to be the "rushed kid" who overbooked every second, always running to whatever was next on the schedule. But lately, I’ve realized that peace can be found in the simplest rituals, from the literal circular motions of washing my face to enjoying an undisturbed morning before the world starts. This episode is a reflection on removing the ticking clock from your head and learning to live in the moment. We talk about finding inspiration in calmness, the beauty of writing letters with intention, and why taking the time to feel good is the ultimate investment in your day. When you stop rushing, everything—including your own well-being—simply comes out nicer.

The Risk of a 180-Degree Turn

We often look around for footprints that match our own, and when we don’t find them, we assume we’ve taken a wrong turn. In this episode, I reflect on the "piano girl" identity I’ve carried my whole life and the quiet bravery it takes to walk away from what you’ve always known. If you feel like the odd one out in the flock, this is for you. Just because your path looks different doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

Here’s What I’ve Been Doing Lately

In this episode of Dear Nobody, I’m doing another Monthly Check-In — sharing honestly what life has looked like lately since the last time we talked. From traveling to Canada, taking a real break from social media, and starting therapy for the first time, to locking in with piano practice, returning to movement, simplifying routines, and finding small moments of confidence and clarity — this episode is just me checking in. No advice, no pressure, no theme to follow. Just a calm, honest update about where I am right now. If you’re in a season of resetting, slowing down, or quietly trying to take better care of yourself, this one’s for you. New episodes every Thursday.

Going Back to What Feels Familiar

In this episode of Dear Nobody, I talk about the quiet comfort of going back to things we already know — rewatching movies, replaying songs, revisiting stories — and why that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped growing. After a season of constantly chasing new experiences, I’ve realized that growth doesn’t always have to feel uncomfortable. Sometimes familiarity is how we recharge, reflect, and understand ourselves better. Rewatching something doesn’t mean there’s nothing new left to learn — it often means we’re ready to receive it differently. This episode is a gentle reminder that comfort and growth can exist at the same time, and that it’s okay to return to what feels safe while continuing to move forward.

New Year, Improved Me?

Every January, we’re told to become someone new. A new year, a new version, a clean slate. But what if growth doesn’t mean starting over? In this episode, I reflect on why “New Year, Improved Me” feels more honest than “New Year, New Me.” I talk about discipline, habit-building, and the quiet, unglamorous work that real change actually requires — not overnight transformation, but steady improvement. Through personal stories and reflections, this episode explores why perfection can sabotage progress, how our minds often limit us more than our bodies, and why keeping goals light and realistic can make growth sustainable. This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming a little better — slowly, imperfectly, and honestly.

Merry Christmas and 2025 Wrapped

In this Christmas Day episode, I take a moment to slow down and look back on 2025. From personal growth and solo travels to unexpected wins, creative seasons, and becoming a full-on movie enthusiast, this episode is my own version of a “2025 Wrapped” — but for life. I reflect on how this year shaped me, the places I went, the things I tried for the first time, and the experiences that helped me grow braver, wiser, and more independent. I also share my favorite entertainment moments of the year, thoughts on creativity, and why making a vision board helped me feel more grounded heading into 2026. This episode is a quiet Christmas reflection — a pause before the year ends.

Happiness From Within

In this December monthly check-in episode, I share a quiet season of happiness — the kind that comes from within. I talk about contentment, gratitude, faith, and what it feels like to finally feel at peace with where I am in life. I reflect on past moments where I searched for happiness outside of myself, how that shifted when I grew closer to God, and how changing my perspective has helped me appreciate life, people, and the city I live in more deeply. This episode is simply a reflection of where I am right now, shared honestly.

Letting Go of Control

In this episode, I talk about the importance of letting go of control — especially during seasons when life feels overwhelming and unpredictable. As December gets busier with deadlines, finals, and expectations, I reflect on why we try so hard to control outcomes, and how exhausting that can be. I share personal experiences about surrendering plans, trusting timing, and giving my best while leaving the rest in God’s hands. From school pressures to moments that didn’t go as planned, this episode is a reminder that peace doesn’t come from controlling everything — it comes from learning to let go. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or anxious about things you can’t control, this episode is for you.

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