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.

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 😀

11/21/2025

Be Curious! Be Open! And remember, no one can tell you no unless you ask! www.strangerstofriends.com Carlyn Shaw - follow for more stories!

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!

After a month traveling Colombia, South America, and within minutes of landing at the Fort Lauderdale Airport, I’m greet...
10/24/2025

After a month traveling Colombia, South America, and within minutes of landing at the Fort Lauderdale Airport, I’m greeted by Katrina and her smile. She walked right up to me to tell me she needs my shirt! It turns out she just returned from Mexico and had all of her teeth redone from a childhood accident. For the first time in her life, she has her smile back. I high-fived and hugged her! She brought the biggest smile to my face.

I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome home. It feels great to be back in the USA 😃

www.StrangersToFriends.com

Grateful being in Boston has reconnected me with wonderful people 🙏In 2015, I was selected by the National MS Society of...
08/07/2025

Grateful being in Boston has reconnected me with wonderful people 🙏

In 2015, I was selected by the National MS Society of New England to join their team as a Charity Runner for The Boston Marathon. That’s how Jan Fuller and I met, as teammates! Why were we both running for The MS Society? Because we were both diagnosed with MS - and both discovered running as our favorite medicine 😃

When I snapped this selfie I said to her- WE are the message those newly diagnosed need to know! That it is possible to live a vibrant, mobile, inspired life! That everyone with MS is a snowflake, no two are alike. But we are an example of what life can be.

I’m 47, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 28 years ago in 1997, age 19.

But, get this: Jan is 71, diagnosed with MS in 1994 - and has run 25 consecutive Boston Marathons!!! Can you believe it?
She’s a legend 🏃‍♀️

Though both of us have “retired” from fundraising with big events, we both still walk our talk: movement is medicine! It’s a gift! AND we must never take it for granted, especially as we age (with gratitude & grace!) 🦋

I also said the one thing I miss about not doing rides, walks and races (PS: there is no MS Society in St Pete) is being a part of a my cause and my community. My MS friends were my family. For 20 years a lot of my identity was wrapped into my role with the MS Society - which made getting together even that much more special 🧡

Im on the theme of how we allow what happens in life to define us. Ive always believed in the power of perspective! We get to invite a stumbling block to be a stepping stone. We get to create our own reality - despite a label or diagnosis 🥹

Cheers to us… living optiMiStic 🙌

Melissa sure knows how to bring a huge smile to my face 😃Backstory: while rocking out with in Asheville last Summer, I ...
07/29/2025

Melissa sure knows how to bring a huge smile to my face 😃

Backstory: while rocking out with in Asheville last Summer, I met Melissa and instantly clicked in the Soul Rocker Fam sort of way! Having both lived in San Diego and Denver the wild synchronicity was they now called Indian Land, SC home and literally lived in the neighborhood NEXTDOOR to where my Dad had just moved. Right then I swore one day Id visit and she swore she was ordering a smile shirt! We kept in touch the rest of my roadtrip and have been friends since.

Before deciding to bring my stuff to my Dad’s attic (he’s out of town) I confirmed they’d be home — aside from seeing her again I wanted to meet the family I’d heard to much about!

Not only was I welcomed with a big hug, but I woke to a Sunday Morning Smile Swap, pancake breakfast and (literally) a cup of Joy, us Franti fans always say that his music is medicine for the soul — but let me tell you— after riding the emotions of the day(s) leading up to this morning, it’s safe to say this is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered 🙏 Smiles + Friendship = Medicine 😃 I’m beyond grateful for her open heart and warm hospitality!

And the best part: when it’s time to come back to collect my belongings, we get to visit again!

PS: her kiddos are THE BEST! I’m so proud knowing they’re spreading love, kindness and smiles with their friends. It’s what the world needs most 😃


www.StrangersToFriends.com

Address

Saint Petersburg, FL

Website

http://www.connectwithcarlyn.com/, http://www.SmilesFirstWins.com/

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