For many years I’ve lived a dual-life. No, nothing sexy and exciting. It has been a quiet sort of hell, really.

I’ve denied myself the pleasure of singing and performing because I thought being a doctor was more ‘meaningful’ for humanity. Hah!

Well, I’m finally coming out of the shadows… No more compartmentalizing. I am a Jane of all trades and master of versatility.

My name is Dr. Andrea Pennington – aka 1Dreah. I am a performing artist who for over a decade has played the roles of medical doctor, acupuncturist and empowerment coach – both on TV and in real life. For over 12 years I have worked to help thousands of people embrace wellness and vitality by overcoming the destructive habits and thought processes that keep them from living a life of power, passion and purpose.

One could say that I’m poised for this type of work based on my training and experience in medicine, positive psychology and Traditional Chinese Medicine, but the truth is, my life experience has proven the most valuable in helping others transform their lives – from the inside out – for I had to do it for myself, too!

The reality is that my own journey through depression, anxiety, perfectionism and loss have taken me to the depths of despair and forced me to utilize all of my training and skills to rescue myself, transform myself and finally to allow myself to live with authenticity and passion.

Since early childhood I performed on stage, on camera, on the front lawn or in my room. Dancing, singing, writing, acting – all were my most natural states of existence. Having grown up living with my single mother, a physician who worked outside of the home constantly, I was left to entertain myself most of the time.

I have always felt most at home, at peace and in harmony with my deepest sense of myself while pursuing artistic activities. However, my father constantly insisted that I focus on education – suggesting that finding a stable career would be safer and more stable than pursuing a career in the performing arts.

And so began my double life including a pursuit of perfection, achievement and ‘stability’ while defiantly performing professionally in theatre and music. This worked for me from childhood through my college years. But my happy life came to a screeching halt when I entered medical school.

On this blog I will share the strategies that I used to turn my life around that I have committed to sharing with others. I will share how I went from depressed, anxious and miserable to living with joy, traveling the world and feeling inspired! I will also share, with permission, the stories of clients of mine who have used these techniques to go from ‘pitifully drowning in tragedy’ to ‘passionately living their destiny.’

Feel free to leave comments and ask questions. We are here to support each other until each of us can boldly say that we are living life on our own terms, sharing our gifts authentically, and transcending our little egos while evolving into the conscious, enlightened people we are meant to be!

Sound too lofty and ambitious? Well, old habits die hard! I’ve always been a bit bold in my thinking and that seems to be sticking! I hope that you’ll stick around and join the fun!

Yours in empowerment,

Dr. Andrea