"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."

This quote is all about the nature of human existence. It suggests that our lives are fleeting and insubstantial, like dreams. Once our time is up, we return to the 'sleep' of death. It’s a poetic way to say that life is temporary and ephemeral.

William Shakespeare wrote this line for his play "The Tempest." It’s part of a speech by the magician Prospero at the end of the play. At this point, Prospero is reflecting on the temporary nature of the magical powers he has wielded and the fictional world he has created. He acknowledges that everything, including his own life, is transitory.

Think of a sandcastle. You spend hours building it, carefully crafting every turret and moat. But as soon as the tide comes in, it's washed away. That's life. We build our dreams, our careers, our relationships—only to see them fade. Take the example of a famous entrepreneur like Steve Jobs. He revolutionized the world with Apple, but in the grand scheme of things, his life was short. Yet, like a dream, his impact lingers.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by not taking life too seriously. That doesn't mean you should be reckless, but understand that the most stressful situations often don't matter in the long run. Go after your dreams with passion, but stay grounded. Understand that setbacks are part of the journey and that nothing is permanent.

Imagine you’re working on a project that’s really important to you. You’ve put in long hours, sacrificed weekends, and missed out on social events. Then, at the last minute, the project gets cancelled. It’s easy to feel crushed. But remember this quote. The project, like everything else, is part of the dream-stuff of life. It’s okay to feel disappointed, but don’t let it break you. Pick up, move on, and start creating your next dream.

Picture a young woman named Lily who always wanted to be a writer. She dreamed of publishing a novel, spent countless nights drafting and redrafting her manuscript. She sent it to dozens of publishers, but all she got were rejection letters. She felt like giving up. Then she remembered the essence of the quote. Her journey as a writer wasn't meaningless just because it didn't end in immediate success. It was part of the dream she was living. Eventually, one small publisher took a chance on her book. It didn’t become a bestseller overnight, but it found its audience. Years later, looking back, she realized the journey itself—the process of creating, failing, and trying again—was the most beautiful part of her dream.

So, take a step back and look at your life. What are you stressing about? What dreams are you chasing? Remember, it’s all temporary. Enjoy the ride, build your sandcastles, but don’t get too attached. And when it’s time, let it all wash away.