A major move is going down in the world of sports media, as reports indicate that Shannon Sharpe will end his seven-year stint on Undisputed. Sharpe apparently agreed to a contract buyout with Fox Sports, and as a result, his time sparring with Skip Bayless is going to reach its conclusion after the NBA Finals.
It’s apparently a clean break between the two sides, with Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast also getting out from under Fox’s umbrella. While Charles Barkley decided to take a more sarcastic tone over the entire saga, Stephen A. Smith opened the door for Sharpe to make his way over to ESPN, if that arrangement would work out for Sharpe.
I don’t know what @ShannonSharpe’s plans are right now…but I know that if he wants to make his way on over to First Take…I am here for it pic.twitter.com/jqZSUCXfzS
“I don’t know what his plans are, I don’t know what he’s trying to pursue, I don’t know what he’s after,” Smith said on his podcast. “But if Shannon Sharpe needs me, I’m happy to be here for him. And if that included him wanting to come on First Take, the bosses at ESPN know that is something I would support.”
Smith and Bayless, of course, were a longtime duo on First Take before Bayless left the network. The two butted heads last year over some comments Smith made about how he joined the program, but Smith claimed that the two addressed the matter in private. There have been times recently where things have seemed awfully tense between Sharpe and Bayless on Undisputed, and it’s unclear what Bayless would think about Smith and Sharpe joining forces over on ESPN.
A major move is going down in the world of sports media, as reports indicate that Shannon Sharpe will end his seven-year stint on Undisputed. Sharpe apparently agreed to a contract buyout with Fox Sports, and as a result, his time sparring with Skip Bayless is going to reach its conclusion after the NBA Finals.
It’s apparently a clean break between the two sides, with Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast also getting out from under Fox’s umbrella. While Charles Barkley decided to take a more sarcastic tone over the entire saga, Stephen A. Smith opened the door for Sharpe to make his way over to ESPN, if that arrangement would work out for Sharpe.
I don’t know what @ShannonSharpe’s plans are right now…but I know that if he wants to make his way on over to First Take…I am here for it pic.twitter.com/jqZSUCXfzS
“I don’t know what his plans are, I don’t know what he’s trying to pursue, I don’t know what he’s after,” Smith said on his podcast. “But if Shannon Sharpe needs me, I’m happy to be here for him. And if that included him wanting to come on First Take, the bosses at ESPN know that is something I would support.”
Smith and Bayless, of course, were a longtime duo on First Take before Bayless left the network. The two butted heads last year over some comments Smith made about how he joined the program, but Smith claimed that the two addressed the matter in private. There have been times recently where things have seemed awfully tense between Sharpe and Bayless on Undisputed, and it’s unclear what Bayless would think about Smith and Sharpe joining forces over on ESPN.
Ron DeSantis had another public meltdown as the Florida governor continues to take his extremely angry presidential campaign outside of the Sunshine State. During a rally in South Carolina on Friday, DeSantis seemingly short-circuited from rage after a woman in the audience called him a “f**king fascist.”
After hearing the insult, a red-faced DeSantis actually thanked her twice before the boos from the crowd snapped him back into reality, and he lashed out at the woman with a promise to continue his ban on books, abortions, and “wokeness” in schools.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” DeSantis eventually shot back, as noted by Mediaite. “We’re not going to let you impose an agenda on our kids. We’re going to stand up for our kids. Those people like that in Florida are the people we beat every single day.”
However, what DeSantis left out is that even members of his own party are growing tired of his obsessive culture war crusades, particularly his feud with Disney. Not to mention, this was his second angry moment in the past 24 hours.
DeSantis lashed out at Fox News on Thursday when asked about his recent penchant for changing the pronunciation of his last name. The Florida governor has said “DeSantis” at least two different ways over the past weeks, and he called the matter “stupid” when Fox asked for the correct pronunciation. He also attempted a little bit of Trump-esque braggadocio, which not play well.
“This is ridiculous,” DeSantis said. “These stupid things. Listen, the way to pronounce my last name? Winner.”
Editor’s Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from the sale of items mentioned in this article.
In athletic wear, a good pair of leggings can make or break your workout experience. Comfort, flexibility, and style are key factors contributing to the perfect pair, and finding ones that marry these elements seamlessly can be challenging. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a gym-goer, or someone who values comfort in their everyday attire, these seamless leggings offer something for everyone. Dive in to discover the perfect pair that will elevate your athletic wardrobe and enhance your workout routine.
Alphalete Amplify Legging
Experience comfort and style with the Alphalete Amplify Legging. These leggings are made from custom-sourced Italian yarn fibers and offer an irresistibly silky, smooth feel. The full-interlock knit construction forms a dense, seamless fabric that retains breathability. With increased elasticity, they provide unmatched compression, shape retention, and flexibility, syncing perfectly with your movements. The seam work enhances your physique, giving support and durability. Designed to accentuate curves, the Amplify leggings feature a high waist, a 3-tiered tapered waistband, and a back scrunch seam detail. The leg and glute contouring panels further enhance your figure, making these leggings a great addition to your athletic wardrobe. To top it all off they’re available in 30 amazing colors!
$72 at Alphalete Athletics
Wolven Harmony Ruched Crossover Legging
Experience ultimate comfort and style with the Harmony Ruched Crossover Legging. This classic legging features an ultra-comfortable crossover waistband and silhouette-defining ruching in the back, creating a flattering look. Crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic, 84% RPET, and 16% spandex, these leggings are a testament to sustainable fashion. The print adds a touch of old-world class to elevate your aesthetic, making these leggings versatile for pairing with light linens, denim, or dressing up to the nines. The leggings offer a soft, breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, and four-way stretch fabric. They’re made from 26.86 recycled bottles, fitting true to size for a blend of environmental consciousness and stylish comfort.
$98 at Wolven
DREAMOON Cross Leggings
DREAMOON’s v crossover leggings offer an intimate, comfortable fit that stays in place. Made from over 25% recycled materials, these leggings provide a 4-way stretch, no-pilling, and see-through protection, ideal for the gym, yoga, or daily wear. Their butt-lifting design enhances your figure, and the high waist offers excellent tummy control. The leggings feature a unique four-bar design and two convenient pockets for your cell phone. With DREAMOON, experience the seamless blend of fashion, function, and sustainability in your athletic wear.
$23 at Amazon
Cosmolle AirWear High-Waist Legging
Cosmolle’s AirWear High-Waist Legging takes eco-friendliness to new heights. Made from recycled nylon, this buttery soft, moisture-wicking fabric ensures comfort and breathability during your workouts. With a unique ruched seam for a natural butt-lift and edge-bonded panels for added comfort, these leggings come in sizes XS to 3X. Cosmolle also redefines self-care with their collagen-infused bras and underwear. Plus they stand by the quality of their products, offering a 60-day fit guarantee for free exchanges and returns.
$56 at Cosmolle
Pollypark Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging
Experience unparalleled comfort with the Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging, designed for yoga and beyond. Composed of 77% Nylon and 23% Spandex, these leggings offer a non-see-through, cloudy fabric that feels as soft as butter. Their high waist and 7/8 length provide a flattering fit for any activity, whether it’s yoga, a picnic, or a day at work. The leggings’ unique butt-lifting design enhances your figure, showcasing graceful hip lines. The leggings also feature a reflective logo for visibility during nighttime activities. With the Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging, you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud throughout your day.
$38 at PollyPark
Wiskii Buttery Seamless Leggings
The Wiskii Buttery Seamless Legging is a testament to style meeting functionality. Crafted from top-quality NILIT® Nylon and LYCRA® Spandex, it offers unmatched softness and 4-way stretch, hugging your body like a glove. Its unique design features eyelet detailing and shading contouring patterns, enhancing your natural curves while providing moisture-wicking comfort. The high-rise design, coupled with a supportive ribbed waistband, ensures a flattering fit for all your fitness pursuits. Ideal for athleisure enthusiasts, these leggings deliver a chic, comfortable, and performance-ready experience.
$59 at Wiskii
Ingrid+Isabel Active Rib Maternity Legging
These leggings are sporty on the outside, soft on the inside, and designed for the dynamic needs of motherhood. These leggings feature on-trend active rib detailing, offering a never-see-through and super squat-proof design. A high waist and full-length leg promise comfort and style throughout pregnancy and beyond. Perfect for a grocery store run or a treadmill run, these leggings feature a soft, smooth knit inside, ensuring no harsh lines on your legs or belly. They’re made with non-slip, thick fabric that’s soft enough to stretch and shrink with you through different stages of motherhood. Pair them with the matching top or jacket for a complete look.
$88 at Ingrid+Isabel
Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging
This legging is the talk of the town, celebrated for its curve-enhancing design. Made from incredibly soft Spacedye fabric, these active leggings feature an overlapped waistband that sits naturally at the waist. As a fan favorite and bestseller, these midi leggings flatter all body shapes and are versatile enough to work out or relax. They also make a perfect travel companion. Pair them with the matching crop tank for a complete look. Designed and assembled in the USA, these leggings undergo rigorous wear testing to ensure the best fit in every size.
$99 at Beyond Yoga
Girlfriend Collective Emerald Luxe Legging
Step into the world of luxury with the Emerald Luxe Legging, a blend of elegance and comfort. These medium compression heavyweight leggings offer a high rise, subtle matte sheen, and ultra-soft stretch, making them a perfect mix of stylish dress pant and cozy leggings for lazy days. Designed for work and play, the Luxe leggings provide an ultra-soft feel, a plush heavyweight comfort, and a subtle sheen for a luxurious look. These leggings are sustainable and chic, constructed from 77% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 23% spandex. The fabric is moisture-wicking, soft and provides a four-way stretch designed to mold to your body. The leggings also come with two small front waistband pockets and one back pocket for essential items.
$92 at Girlfriend Collective
Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight
Ideal for yoga or studio practice, the Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight offers exceptional comfort and support. Made from Powervita™ fabric, these tights provide a buttery-soft feel that hugs your body gently. The three-layer waistband with a mesh inner lining ensures a streamlined and supportive fit, while the absence of side seams allows for distraction-free practice. A back drop-in pocket provides space for essentials. The Nylon/Lycra material wicks sweat away, is breathable, and dries quickly, ensuring ultimate comfort. These tights are rated UPF 50+ for excellent protection, offer compression support, and feature a fitted, ultra-high-rise waistband for an enhanced silhouette.
$89 at Athleta
Year Of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging
The Year of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging redefines athletic wear with a fun flare. Known for their detailed silhouettes, Year of Ours has expertly designed these leggings with a cross-v waistband feature available in multiple materials. The design perfectly balances compression, flexibility, and stretch, making them suitable for fitness classes or athleisure needs. The leggings are true to size, ensuring an excellent fit. With Year of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging, you can experience the perfect blend of style and function in your athletic wardrobe.
$125 at SculptHouse
Seamless athletic leggings truly provide the perfect fusion of style, comfort, and functionality. These leggings bring a versatile edge to your athletic wardrobe, ideal for everything from high-intensity workouts to relaxed yoga sessions or even day-to-day errands. With features ranging from high-rise waistbands and compression fit moisture-wicking materials, finding the perfect pair to suit your specific needs is easier than ever. Investing in high-quality athletic gear isn’t just a purchase. It’s a commitment to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Enjoy the journey of finding your perfect fit and happy shopping!
Editor’s Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from the sale of items mentioned in this article.
In athletic wear, a good pair of leggings can make or break your workout experience. Comfort, flexibility, and style are key factors contributing to the perfect pair, and finding ones that marry these elements seamlessly can be challenging. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a gym-goer, or someone who values comfort in their everyday attire, these seamless leggings offer something for everyone. Dive in to discover the perfect pair that will elevate your athletic wardrobe and enhance your workout routine.
Alphalete Amplify Legging
Experience comfort and style with the Alphalete Amplify Legging. These leggings are made from custom-sourced Italian yarn fibers and offer an irresistibly silky, smooth feel. The full-interlock knit construction forms a dense, seamless fabric that retains breathability. With increased elasticity, they provide unmatched compression, shape retention, and flexibility, syncing perfectly with your movements. The seam work enhances your physique, giving support and durability. Designed to accentuate curves, the Amplify leggings feature a high waist, a 3-tiered tapered waistband, and a back scrunch seam detail. The leg and glute contouring panels further enhance your figure, making these leggings a great addition to your athletic wardrobe. To top it all off they’re available in 30 amazing colors!
$72 at Alphalete Athletics
Wolven Harmony Ruched Crossover Legging
Experience ultimate comfort and style with the Harmony Ruched Crossover Legging. This classic legging features an ultra-comfortable crossover waistband and silhouette-defining ruching in the back, creating a flattering look. Crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic, 84% RPET, and 16% spandex, these leggings are a testament to sustainable fashion. The print adds a touch of old-world class to elevate your aesthetic, making these leggings versatile for pairing with light linens, denim, or dressing up to the nines. The leggings offer a soft, breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, and four-way stretch fabric. They’re made from 26.86 recycled bottles, fitting true to size for a blend of environmental consciousness and stylish comfort.
$98 at Wolven
DREAMOON Cross Leggings
DREAMOON’s v crossover leggings offer an intimate, comfortable fit that stays in place. Made from over 25% recycled materials, these leggings provide a 4-way stretch, no-pilling, and see-through protection, ideal for the gym, yoga, or daily wear. Their butt-lifting design enhances your figure, and the high waist offers excellent tummy control. The leggings feature a unique four-bar design and two convenient pockets for your cell phone. With DREAMOON, experience the seamless blend of fashion, function, and sustainability in your athletic wear.
$23 at Amazon
Cosmolle AirWear High-Waist Legging
Cosmolle’s AirWear High-Waist Legging takes eco-friendliness to new heights. Made from recycled nylon, this buttery soft, moisture-wicking fabric ensures comfort and breathability during your workouts. With a unique ruched seam for a natural butt-lift and edge-bonded panels for added comfort, these leggings come in sizes XS to 3X. Cosmolle also redefines self-care with their collagen-infused bras and underwear. Plus they stand by the quality of their products, offering a 60-day fit guarantee for free exchanges and returns.
$56 at Cosmolle
Pollypark Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging
Experience unparalleled comfort with the Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging, designed for yoga and beyond. Composed of 77% Nylon and 23% Spandex, these leggings offer a non-see-through, cloudy fabric that feels as soft as butter. Their high waist and 7/8 length provide a flattering fit for any activity, whether it’s yoga, a picnic, or a day at work. The leggings’ unique butt-lifting design enhances your figure, showcasing graceful hip lines. The leggings also feature a reflective logo for visibility during nighttime activities. With the Belleza Cloudy 7/8 Legging, you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud throughout your day.
$38 at PollyPark
Wiskii Buttery Seamless Leggings
The Wiskii Buttery Seamless Legging is a testament to style meeting functionality. Crafted from top-quality NILIT® Nylon and LYCRA® Spandex, it offers unmatched softness and 4-way stretch, hugging your body like a glove. Its unique design features eyelet detailing and shading contouring patterns, enhancing your natural curves while providing moisture-wicking comfort. The high-rise design, coupled with a supportive ribbed waistband, ensures a flattering fit for all your fitness pursuits. Ideal for athleisure enthusiasts, these leggings deliver a chic, comfortable, and performance-ready experience.
$59 at Wiskii
Ingrid+Isabel Active Rib Maternity Legging
These leggings are sporty on the outside, soft on the inside, and designed for the dynamic needs of motherhood. These leggings feature on-trend active rib detailing, offering a never-see-through and super squat-proof design. A high waist and full-length leg promise comfort and style throughout pregnancy and beyond. Perfect for a grocery store run or a treadmill run, these leggings feature a soft, smooth knit inside, ensuring no harsh lines on your legs or belly. They’re made with non-slip, thick fabric that’s soft enough to stretch and shrink with you through different stages of motherhood. Pair them with the matching top or jacket for a complete look.
$88 at Ingrid+Isabel
Beyond Yoga Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging
This legging is the talk of the town, celebrated for its curve-enhancing design. Made from incredibly soft Spacedye fabric, these active leggings feature an overlapped waistband that sits naturally at the waist. As a fan favorite and bestseller, these midi leggings flatter all body shapes and are versatile enough to work out or relax. They also make a perfect travel companion. Pair them with the matching crop tank for a complete look. Designed and assembled in the USA, these leggings undergo rigorous wear testing to ensure the best fit in every size.
$99 at Beyond Yoga
Girlfriend Collective Emerald Luxe Legging
Step into the world of luxury with the Emerald Luxe Legging, a blend of elegance and comfort. These medium compression heavyweight leggings offer a high rise, subtle matte sheen, and ultra-soft stretch, making them a perfect mix of stylish dress pant and cozy leggings for lazy days. Designed for work and play, the Luxe leggings provide an ultra-soft feel, a plush heavyweight comfort, and a subtle sheen for a luxurious look. These leggings are sustainable and chic, constructed from 77% recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 23% spandex. The fabric is moisture-wicking, soft and provides a four-way stretch designed to mold to your body. The leggings also come with two small front waistband pockets and one back pocket for essential items.
$92 at Girlfriend Collective
Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight
Ideal for yoga or studio practice, the Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight offers exceptional comfort and support. Made from Powervita™ fabric, these tights provide a buttery-soft feel that hugs your body gently. The three-layer waistband with a mesh inner lining ensures a streamlined and supportive fit, while the absence of side seams allows for distraction-free practice. A back drop-in pocket provides space for essentials. The Nylon/Lycra material wicks sweat away, is breathable, and dries quickly, ensuring ultimate comfort. These tights are rated UPF 50+ for excellent protection, offer compression support, and feature a fitted, ultra-high-rise waistband for an enhanced silhouette.
$89 at Athleta
Year Of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging
The Year of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging redefines athletic wear with a fun flare. Known for their detailed silhouettes, Year of Ours has expertly designed these leggings with a cross-v waistband feature available in multiple materials. The design perfectly balances compression, flexibility, and stretch, making them suitable for fitness classes or athleisure needs. The leggings are true to size, ensuring an excellent fit. With Year of Ours Veronica Ribbed Legging, you can experience the perfect blend of style and function in your athletic wardrobe.
$125 at SculptHouse
Seamless athletic leggings truly provide the perfect fusion of style, comfort, and functionality. These leggings bring a versatile edge to your athletic wardrobe, ideal for everything from high-intensity workouts to relaxed yoga sessions or even day-to-day errands. With features ranging from high-rise waistbands and compression fit moisture-wicking materials, finding the perfect pair to suit your specific needs is easier than ever. Investing in high-quality athletic gear isn’t just a purchase. It’s a commitment to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Enjoy the journey of finding your perfect fit and happy shopping!
Kids, man. I’m not sure of the scientific way audacity is distributed, but kids have a lot of it and somehow make it cute. That audacity overload is especially interesting when you’re the default parent—you know, the parent kids go to for literally everything as if there’s not another fully capable adult in the house. Chances are if your children haven’t sought you out while you were taking a shower so you could open up a pack of fruit snacks, then you’re not the default parental unit.
One parent captured exactly what it’s like to be the default parent and shared it to TikTok, where the video has over 4 million views. Toniann Marchese went on a quick grocery run and *gasp* did not inform her children. Don’t you fret, they’re modern kids who know how to use modern means to get much-needed answers when mom is nowhere to be found. They went outside and rang the doorbell.
Back when we were children, this would’ve done nothing but make the dogs bark, but for Marchese’s kids, who are 3 and 6 years old, it’s as good as a phone call.
You may be questioning why this mom left her two young children home alone. She didn’t. Their father was home, likely wondering why the children were playing so quietly. But. He. Was. Right. There. And the kids still bypassed him to talk to their mom through the Ring doorbell camera. It was pressing business, after all.
“My tablet is dead,” the 3-year-old said.
The kids ignored Marchese’s questions about where their dad was and continued to complain about their tablets. The entire situation is enough to make any default parent chuckle and maybe sob a little.
Kids, man. I’m not sure of the scientific way audacity is distributed, but kids have a lot of it and somehow make it cute. That audacity overload is especially interesting when you’re the default parent—you know, the parent kids go to for literally everything as if there’s not another fully capable adult in the house. Chances are if your children haven’t sought you out while you were taking a shower so you could open up a pack of fruit snacks, then you’re not the default parental unit.
One parent captured exactly what it’s like to be the default parent and shared it to TikTok, where the video has over 4 million views. Toniann Marchese went on a quick grocery run and *gasp* did not inform her children. Don’t you fret, they’re modern kids who know how to use modern means to get much-needed answers when mom is nowhere to be found. They went outside and rang the doorbell.
Back when we were children, this would’ve done nothing but make the dogs bark, but for Marchese’s kids, who are 3 and 6 years old, it’s as good as a phone call.
You may be questioning why this mom left her two young children home alone. She didn’t. Their father was home, likely wondering why the children were playing so quietly. But. He. Was. Right. There. And the kids still bypassed him to talk to their mom through the Ring doorbell camera. It was pressing business, after all.
“My tablet is dead,” the 3-year-old said.
The kids ignored Marchese’s questions about where their dad was and continued to complain about their tablets. The entire situation is enough to make any default parent chuckle and maybe sob a little.
Everybody needs someone who can relate to them; it’s one of the things that connects the human experience. For a 5-year-old New Jersey girl named Colbie Durborow, that connection came just in time. Colbie has been noticing people staring at her lately as she gets around using leg braces, a walker and sometimes a wheelchair, and she told her mom that she doesn’t like it when people stare.
“She said, ‘Mommy I don’t like when people stare at me. Mommy, I don’t like it, I want them to stop,'” Colbie’s mom, Amanda Durborow, told CBS Mornings.
Colbie was born 17 weeks early and has cerebral palsy (CP), a group of disorders that affect balance, mobility and posture, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her mom connected with former CrossFit trainer Steph Roach on Instagram, and the two became friends.
Roach also has CP and uses a wheelchair, but she defied the expectations of others by becoming a fitness coach, CrossFit instructor and author.
“When I saw Colbie and I saw the way that Amanda was guiding Colbie through life, it was just like we were meant to be friends,” Roach explained to CBS Mornings.
The two women and Colbie got to know each other online, and before long, Roach was acting as a mentor for the little girl. They were all finally able to meet in January, and the author got to teach Colbie how to navigate some uncomfortable situations.
“Colbie realizes that people are starting to look at her and see her maybe a little bit differently, so we’ve had some big conversations about how that might make her feel,” Roach said.
She went on to encourage the little girl that it’s OK to tell people that she doesn’t like it when they stare and to offer to answer questions people may have. The exchange was very sweet. Roach later admitted that she thought that Colbie could do anything, and said through tears that if she could go back to her 5-year-old self, she would tell her to be proud of herself.
It’s clear that these two have developed a special bond through their connection with CP. Thanks to having Roach in her life, Colbie is learning that she can do things that exceed expectations. You can watch their adorable bond below:
Everybody needs someone who can relate to them; it’s one of the things that connects the human experience. For a 5-year-old New Jersey girl named Colbie Durborow, that connection came just in time. Colbie has been noticing people staring at her lately as she gets around using leg braces, a walker and sometimes a wheelchair, and she told her mom that she doesn’t like it when people stare.
“She said, ‘Mommy I don’t like when people stare at me. Mommy, I don’t like it, I want them to stop,'” Colbie’s mom, Amanda Durborow, told CBS Mornings.
Colbie was born 17 weeks early and has cerebral palsy (CP), a group of disorders that affect balance, mobility and posture, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her mom connected with former CrossFit trainer Steph Roach on Instagram, and the two became friends.
Roach also has CP and uses a wheelchair, but she defied the expectations of others by becoming a fitness coach, CrossFit instructor and author.
“When I saw Colbie and I saw the way that Amanda was guiding Colbie through life, it was just like we were meant to be friends,” Roach explained to CBS Mornings.
The two women and Colbie got to know each other online, and before long, Roach was acting as a mentor for the little girl. They were all finally able to meet in January, and the author got to teach Colbie how to navigate some uncomfortable situations.
“Colbie realizes that people are starting to look at her and see her maybe a little bit differently, so we’ve had some big conversations about how that might make her feel,” Roach said.
She went on to encourage the little girl that it’s OK to tell people that she doesn’t like it when they stare and to offer to answer questions people may have. The exchange was very sweet. Roach later admitted that she thought that Colbie could do anything, and said through tears that if she could go back to her 5-year-old self, she would tell her to be proud of herself.
It’s clear that these two have developed a special bond through their connection with CP. Thanks to having Roach in her life, Colbie is learning that she can do things that exceed expectations. You can watch their adorable bond below:
The expectation to put on an air of happy, fun, pleasant nonconfrontation through baring teeth, otherwise known as smiling, is something many, if not most, women know very well. What’s more, this pressure is often introduced to women at a very early age.
And obviously, while there’s nothing inherently wrong with naturally being a happy, smiling person, issues arise when kids are taught that being themselves, just as they are, isn’t acceptable.
That’s why people are so impressed with North Carolina-based photographer Brooke Light’s (@bdlighted on TikTok) hands-off approach when it comes to taking pictures of young girls.
Her philosophy is simple, but oh so poignant: Allow girls to show up, take up space, and perhaps most importantly, not smile if they don’t want to.
Light posted a video showing some of her recent portraits, and truly, the work speaks for itself. Each of the girls’ distinct, unique personalities shine in these black-and-white images. Plus the lighting is moody and artsy and cool as hell. So much better than a forced, cheesy, smiling pic.
Comments began flooding in commending Light for how she authentically portrayed the girls as individuals, rather than producing cookie-cutter images of them.
“I love how they are not trying to be anything ‘extra’ just their own raw and savage selves,” one person wrote.
Another added, “I can feel their power through my phone.”
Light redirected the praise toward her clients, saying, “They are even more amazing in person! Like that vibe you feel is ALL THEM. I’m just there capturing it.”
For many women who had their own memories of being told to smile for photos, seeing the images had a profound effect.
“CHILLS! This healed something in me. Thank you.” one person commented.
“The Sears family photo trauma was REAL” wrote another.
And for the record, Light doesn’t make boys smile either. Here’s the proof in her follow-up video:
In the post, Light shared how touched she was by the overwhelmingly positive response.
“I’ve never had my creativity or my photography validated so much in my life. Thank you for the outpouring of love on these photos this week. It’s meant more than you can ever know,” she wrote.
Imagine that…celebrating others for their authentic selves, then being celebrated yourself. Now that’s something worth smiling for.
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