live the dash

welcome back to Sunday Goods!!!!!!

at a funeral, people say two dates out loud.
the day someone was born.
the day someone passed.

& between them is a small dash.

today, I learned that the dash is everything.

I met a local vendor at the farmers market named Marty, & he’s the one who said the words “live the dash” to me.

he was there supporting his wife at her booth: present, helping, listening, & just being part of her world.

& in one simple sentence, he shifted my entire perspective.

he explained how when people pass, no one talks enough about the space between those dates.

but that space is the story.

that’s where love happens.

that’s where purpose is built.

that’s where life is actually lived.

not in titles or timelines, but in the way we show up for each other.

we talked about food, travel, jewelry, craftsmanship, & curiosity.

about the things that make life feel full.

about staying interested in the world & open to connection.

it was such a simple conversation, but it stayed with me.

that’s how the dash works.

it shows up in moments you don’t expect.

that’s the dash.
it’s not always loud.
sometimes it’s quiet support.
sometimes it’s showing up.
sometimes it’s a sentence that lands exactly when you need it.

the dash is:
– who you love
– how you support others
– the kindness you offer
– the conversations you allow
– the way you stay curious
– the presence you choose

it’s not about being impressive.
it’s about being intentional.
it’s about being human with the people around you.

we spend so much time thinking about what’s next or replaying what was that we forget the dash is happening right now.

in this breath.

in this moment.

in the way you speak to a stranger.

in the way you show up for someone you love.

so live the dash.
like Marty said.

talk to strangers.
support the people you care about.
let moments be meaningful.
choose presence over distraction.
let your life be made of small moments that quietly matter.

one day, only two dates will be spoken.
but everything you were will live in the space between them.

remember that.

with care,

elle