Martial arts legend Jet Li recently revealed one of the biggest regrets in his life, failing to notice the emotional struggles of his youngest daughter when she was a child. Speaking at a public event in Taipei, the actor shared the difficult period his family went through while raising his daughter Jada Li, who had been battling depression since the age of seven.
Jet Li Reveals His Biggest Regret
The event was attended by both father and daughter, and Jada agreed to let her father discuss the experience publicly. Jet Li recalled that when she was young, Jada often shut herself inside her room after school and rarely spoke with him. Over time, the distance between them grew, leaving the actor feeling helpless as he struggled to understand what she was going through.
Reflecting on that period, Jet Li admitted he felt deep guilt. He said he had spent much of his time focusing on charitable work outside the home rather than paying closer attention to his daughter’s emotional needs. According to the actor, the spiritual methods he followed at the time did not help improve the situation.
Over the years, Jet Li realized he needed to change his approach. Instead of offering constant advice or trying to control the situation, he began focusing on listening and supporting his daughter’s choices. “I stopped telling her what she should do. I simply walked beside her and learned how to listen,” he explained.
Now 62 years old, Jet Li is the father of four daughters. His two eldest daughters, Si and Taimi, are from his first marriage, while Jane and Jada Li are his daughters with former beauty queen Nina Li Chi. The actor’s life priorities shifted significantly after he survived the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while vacationing in the Maldives. After that experience, he gradually reduced his film projects and dedicated more time to humanitarian work. In 2007, he founded the charity organization One Foundation, which officially became an independent public fundraising foundation in 2010.
Recovery Journey of Jada Li
During the Taipei event, Jada also shared details about her recovery journey. She explained that overcoming depression required years of treatment, including therapy sessions with mental health professionals, meditation, and studying Buddhist philosophy.
At one point, father and daughter spent three years traveling together across China to explore Buddhist teachings more deeply. During that period, Jet Li reportedly set aside many professional commitments to focus on being with his daughter.
According to Jada, her father’s change in attitude played a key role in repairing their relationship. “In recent years, he has not only been my father and teacher, but also a very good friend,” she said. She added that she has learned many lessons from him and feels happy that she can also support him in return.
Jada explained that as she grew older, she began to understand the pressures her parents faced in life while still maintaining a positive outlook. She recalled a moment when she came home and saw her father singing and laughing, which made her realize that her parents had learned how to let go of many burdens and embrace life with a lighter heart.
Sources: K14
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