"La vie pour moi n'a pas été un escalier de cristal"

Simplified Meaning:

The speaker is saying that their life has been hard and full of challenges. Imagine walking up a staircase made of smooth, shiny crystal—it would be beautiful and easy. But instead, their staircase is rough, with lots of bumps and obstacles. Just like how someone might trip or struggle on a difficult staircase, they have faced many tough situations and had to work really hard to keep going. For example, think about someone growing up in a poor neighborhood with limited opportunities. They might have to deal with financial problems, a lack of good schools, and few job prospects. Despite these hardships, they keep moving forward, doing their best to improve their situation. The key lesson here is about perseverance—no matter how tough life gets, keep climbing and don’t give up. By staying determined and working hard, you can overcome the challenges you face.