What if everything you want is just waiting for you to ask?

When I was 19, I was modeling in New York and Germany.

At 22, I spent a summer volunteering in the Mission District in San Francisco and living with nuns.

That same summer, I also worked backstage at the Missouri State Fair just so I could meet my favorite band, Mr. Mister.

At 23, I interned at MTV in New York back in 1987 when they still played music videos. And in the late 80s, I spent a semester going to school in southern Sweden.

People often asked me: "How did you make all that happen?"

The answer is both simple and not simple. Simple because I had a blissfully ignorant streak in my personality and never assumed anything was impossible. If I wanted something, I simply went after it.

Not simple because it required putting myself out there, over and over. I entered a modeling contest with Elite, then spent a year modeling.

When it was time for a college internship for my Broadcasting degree, I sent resumes to Johnny Carson and MTV and got accepted to both.

I called the Missouri State Fair and asked point-blank if I could work backstage. And that's how I ended up spending a few days on the road with Mr. Mister—some of the kindest men on the planet.

As for that semester abroad, one of my favorite professors invited me to go and said I'd be crazy not to—so I went.

Each time, I created opportunity by asking. Or by saying yes to an invitation.

Decades later, that lesson still rings true.

Recently, I met a friend named Jason who facilitates workshops. Instead of admiring from afar, I asked him about it. He generously shared tips and connected me with Scott at the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. I followed up with Scott, who invited me to watch Jason speak at a local event.

The night before, I saw Jason at a Rotary Club social. When I mentioned I'd be at his presentation, he unexpectedly invited me to speak for a few minutes about storytelling and persuasion during his session on team communications.

Another chance to share my passion and serve others.

Here's what I've discovered: None of this happens without asking—or at least being open to opportunities when they present themselves.

I want to be honest with you: this isn't always easy. It can feel challenging and scary to put yourself out there. Sometimes it's downright anxiety-provoking.

But here's what I've learned: that anxiety you feel isn't a stop sign. It's just a feeling, and you can learn to feel it and move forward anyway.

What's waiting on the other side of that discomfort? Connections. Experiences. Growth. Moments you'll remember for decades. The chance to share what you love with people who need to hear it.

You don't need to be fearless. Y

ou don't need perfect confidence.

You just need to be willing to try.

So what if you stepped outside your comfort zone? Sent that email. Made that call. Proposed that idea. The opportunities are out there, waiting for you to reach for them.

Your next great experience might be just one question away.

All you have to do is ask.