Strangers To Friends

Strangers To Friends People = Possibilities! Whoever Smiles First Wins. Synchronicity Stories, Connection & Community. CONNECTION! Did your intuition tell you to approach them?

Strangers to Friends is about choosing to meet new people, both by approaching and being approachable. Think about all the people in your life, how your paths crossed, when the introduction was made. Did it feel "random"? Perhaps a friend of a friend had a feeling you should meet. OR, maybe you smiled at someone and started a life changing conversation. Part of my inspiration to start this page ca

me from the realization that some of my best friends are the silver lining to my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 19. Think about the important decisions you've made in your life: SOMEONE helped guide you, encourage you, grant you the opportunity. My greatest vision is to create a world honoring People = Possibilities. I want everyone to take off their blinders and be open to those around them: open to helping, open to inspiring, open to connecting, open to trusting. About Carlyn:
Born in Boston but raised Jewish in the South, Carlyn learned early on not only what it meant to be a little different, but how to appreciate and learn from the variety of people that came across her path. She was aware at the gifts received though others by Turning Strangers into Friends. At the age of 19, while attending Indiana University, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Months later, two of her best friends were killed in car accidents. This is when she learned the value of life. And how precious it is to live in the moment. From her travels around the world to volunteering at local MS events, Carlyn has already accomplished everything on the 'bucket list' she created at age 20. Every item she has checked off she has done through the possibilities presented to her though other people. Turning Strangers into Friends is the guiding principle for Carlyn as she defies her diagnosis, inspires others and redefines what it means to live a vivacious and positive life.

08/11/2026

If you want to better yourself, better your fellow being. If you want to feel the richness and warmth of unfailing love, give it. If you want to make a difference and leave your world a better place, let others know how important they are as you put their needs above yours.

- Jaren L. Davis

Curious why I initially made the Whoever Smiles First Wins Shirts? Want to know where Strangers To Friends comes from? H...
06/13/2026

Curious why I initially made the Whoever Smiles First Wins Shirts? Want to know where Strangers To Friends comes from? Here's an AWESOME interview I share the Full Story on how Strangers To Friends and the Whoever Smiles First Wins began! After you listen, I'd love learning what surprised you the most

From Struggles to Smiles: A Path to Authentic ConnectionMeet Carl...

How was this 10 years ago…Reflecting on the Strangers To Friends journey, all the versions and chapters I’ve (Carlyn Sha...
06/04/2026

How was this 10 years ago…
Reflecting on the Strangers To Friends journey, all the versions and chapters I’ve (Carlyn Shaw) have lived… the impact I created ….and now what I want to create and contribute over the next 10 years.

Did we meet because of my Strangers To Friends card? The Colorado Meet Up? What brought you to this page?

Do you own a Whoever Smiles First Wins shirt? www.StrangersToFriends.com

Strangers To Friends is a way of living, believing we do not meet on accident, that we are here to serve and support each other, that our stories connect us all.

Cheers to the Journey 🦋❤️😃

https://youtu.be/5coz5BXu9JY

Carlyn Shaw talks about her life with Strangers To Friends. It bega...

04/07/2026
04/07/2026

There is nothing so rewarding as to make people realize that they are worthwhile in this world.

- Bob Anderson

03/18/2026

I LOVE what he said about being PRESENT. His awareness of my “whoever smiles first wins” sparked his curiosity! From there he saw a chance to create a friendly invitation — not just with a smile, but with conversation. We get to SEE each other. I’m grateful Tim created our opportunity for us to connect - that is the real gift! I’ve spend 2 years wearing these shirts around the World and met the coolest people 😃

03/01/2026

Curious… do you feel we are all on time?

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a STF story but I’ve been traveling Thailand for two months and having all sorts of strangers to friends experiences. and while the world can feel so chaotic, I want to remind you that there’s magic in the small moments when we meet people, on time. When we show up for ourselves, the people that are meant to show up for us happen. And then we get to happen for them too. Love that I captured this 😀

11/09/2025

After 17 months as Facebook friends we finally meet face to face! Teamwork manifestation! It’s wild how many things had to lineup for us both to be at this exact moment at the exact same time! Asheville & for the win!

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