Singer, Actress, Hopeless Dreamer

I'm not defined by boundaries, they can never understand, I'm so much more... Just a girl working hard for her big break. Classically trained to grade 8 in singing and have a BAHons degree in drama and performance. One day I will be on West End or...

[poetryforall]

-Rumi

[michellerachel]

Happy World Theatre Day to all of my fellow thespians. Discovering the theatre and the arts changed me. It brought me out of myself, gave me a feeling of pride in what I could achieve and has given me some incredible experiences over the years. And, whilst in recent years I’ve let my anxiety consume me, my aim is to get back to doing what I love and to get to the theatre more often. Art is SO important in life, it should be celebrated #actor #singer #theatre #worldtheatreday #performer #arts #actress https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSYFNtDeJC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Today is my official work-versary with Go Ape. 9 years with this company and a lot has changed. But one thing that I’ll always be grateful for is how much this job changed me, and how I’ve grown from the shy, unconfident person I was, to someone who believes in her ability at work and always tries to thrive. #goape #goapetribe #happyanniversary (at Cannock Chase) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp3HaamLhIa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

10 years ago today, I sang at the Grammy’s pre-show party on the rooftop of the Beverley Hilton in LA. I cannot believe it’s been 10 years! It was such a magical experience and I’ll never forget the sun bursting through the clouds just as I hit the peak of the song. The whole week was a dream. I stayed in the most incredible hotel (poolside at the Beverley Hilton), I had a VIP tour of Universal Studios, LA private bus tour, Visit to the Grammys Museum, $500 gift card and got to take my beautiful friend @dominicmtracy - who I met through Glee (he was one of the cast)- to the Grammys itself in a limo and went to the aftershow party. It was surreal and magical and one of the best weeks of my life. I had my papa @simple_2 there and my friend @tanja.hansson and we got to do so many amazing things and see places I’d only ever seen on TV. I got to meet up with @curtmega and @itskimwhalen who I also knew from Glee and it truly is one of my proudest achievements in life. One I will never forget and will always be grateful for. Gosh 10 years sure has flown by, how different my life is now. I will put a link to the video of my performance on my story in case you haven’t seen it yet #grammys #10yearsago #dreamcometrue #lifeachievement #memories #dreamsdocometrue #singer (at Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoefdXtrE98/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Beautiful sky at work tonight 🥰 #goape #goapecannock #goapetribe #sunset #cannockchase #redsky #bestjob (at Cannock Chase) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoS1SQBrCMW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Tomorrow I’m heading to Managers Training Week for Go Ape. Usually it’s just the two top managers per site that go but as we currently are changing site managers, one of the Duty Managers were given the chance to go. We picked names out of a hat and fate chose me. Anyone who knows me knows I live for my job and that it’s where I’m most happy. However, over the last few years my anxiety has robbed me of going for things due to low self confidence, and fear of failing. This week will be my biggest test, not because of the content of the week (I’m good at my job, and rarely get anxiety at work) but because my illness stems from health anxiety. Fear that I’ll be poorly and make a fool of myself, fear that I won’t be well enough to do what I need to. But I am done with letting my mental health dictate what I can do. This is a HUGE opportunity to learn so much more about the company I love and to pass that on to our team at Cannock. Yes it is going to be hard, massively overwhelming and a test for me, but you know what? I am determined to not let this ruin what will be an amazing week with amazing people. Anxiety, you will not win this week. I am better than that. #anxiety #mentalhealth #bebrave #anxietyawareness https://www.instagram.com/p/CncZv9ZL9pV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Going into my 9th season at Go Ape, I never imagined I’d still be here nearly a decade later. When I started this job I was an anxious mess, with low self belief, self esteem, self confidence and with no drive. Fast forward to now and this job has taught me so much about customer service, leadership, friendship, communication and so much more. Thanks to @clair.fowler I found my courage to apply for Duty Manager a few years back, and I’ve not looked back since. Instead of my anxiety hindering my confidence, the role made me feel more capable and in control which results in way less anxiety at work than anywhere else in my life, proving that I really do feel safe, loved and respected there. This year I hope to push myself even further and will be applying for higher roles within the company in the hope that I can pass my plethora of knowledge and experience onto the next generation of instructors. And as a Co-owner of Go Ape now, I’m invested in making our wonderful Tribe the best it can be. Thank you for making me the person I am today @goapetribe, here’s to more adventures ahead (at Go Ape Cannock) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnIKFG0Ln9T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

This year has been one of the lowest for me in some ways. The breakdown of my 6 yr relationship, losing my Bella Boo, anxiety at its all time high which in turn stopped me from doing a lot of things, mums dog attack to name but a few. But there’s also been some pretty good things like finding the community cafe and gaining new friendships, my beautiful Albus and Minerva bunnies, finding my feet as a Duty Manager at work and achieving so much success with the social media and marketing of the site. It truly is where I’m happiest at work, my anxiety rarely hits at work as I relish the work and responsibilities I have. Hopefully next year I will take another step in my development. As a family we are blessed to all still be here this year so I’m thankful for that. I’ve lost a lot of myself this year and let anxiety win more than I should have. It’s stopped my love of performing, it’s stopped my sense of adventure and I want to try and get back to that which makes me happiest. My hopes for next year are that I will work on myself and gain a healthier body and mindset. I would like to find love, someone who makes me a better person and who I can start a family with. And for my family to remain healthy and strong. To have more adventures with my beautiful nieces and nephews as they make me so happy and proud every day. Happy New Year to all my friends and family, may 2023 be all you dream of xx #happynewyear #resolutions #nye https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm2DyS8L_Dj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Merry Christmas all, hope you’ve spent it with the people you love the most 🥰❤️ #merrychristmas #family #love #allthatmatters https://www.instagram.com/p/CmpX2cCLMeo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Tonight I spent my Christmas Eve giving back to the community. I volunteered at our local food bank to help make Christmas a bit more special for those struggling. The kids were so happy to meet Elsa and Olaf! What an amazing evening but so sad that it’s needed this much especially at this time of year #shelsa #elsa #foodbank #givebacktothecommunity (at Hednesford) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmkFdzQr3Sb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Just some ramblings. I miss this #friendships #bestfriends #growingup https://www.instagram.com/p/CmUn5LzLy8N/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Proof that sometimes I DONT let my anxiety win. Works Christmas party this year 👍🏻 #mentalhealth #anxiety #win https://www.instagram.com/p/CmSPpNOrId9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Minerva’s favourite thing to do is snuggle in a coat or dressing gown 🥰🥰🥰 #bunniesofinstagram #minilop #cute #snuggle #rabbit #rabbitsofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9k247rcwM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

It’s so rare that I get to spend time with all three of these! Auntie duties completed - Matilda the musical in cinema, lunch out then bit of shopping 🥰 love them so so much #family #love #auntie https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrH1Djjfum/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

Whilst it’s closer to 10 years now as I head into my 9th season next year, it’s always nice to receive something like this from head office! Who would have thought that when I started working for @goapetribe that it would LITERALLY change my life. Here’s to many more years of adventure with my Tribe at @goapecannock - My favourite moment from my time so far is the ‘Day in the life of an instructor’ video I shot for the company a few years back. Such an honour to be asked out of the whole company. If you haven’t seen it, head to YouTube #goape #goapecannock #goapetribe #adventure #livelifeadventurously #loveyourjob #gratitude (at Go Ape Cannock) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clf-6YyD4no/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

So in love with my lamp mama bought me. Thank you all for your well wishes today for my birthday, it’s been a very subdued one #harrypotter #potterhead #potternerd #harrypottergifts #happybirthday https://www.instagram.com/p/CjWL2HMrYTR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michellerachel]

She’s gone. My baby, my absolute world has gone. I can’t even put into words how heartbroken I am. Every single person who met you, fell in love with you. Your cheeky nature and your terrorist tendencies only made me love you more. The way you would put your head on my phone if I wasn’t giving you attention as I lay on the floor with you, demanding kisses and snuggles always made me smile. The way you loved food more than anything and would nip my hand if I didn’t put the bowl down quickly enough. The way you gently took snacks from my mouth. The way you always stole my redvines. You truly were such a character. Thank you for teaching me so much over the last 8 years. At least we got to say goodbye and those who loved you got to too. You touched so many peoples lives. I feel so lucky to have been your mama and to receive the love you gave me. Rest now my Bella Boo #rip #myworld #rabbit #rabbitsofinstagram #bun https://www.instagram.com/p/CjI_esmLdFw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=