About Me — Adnan Aqeel

Writer. Engineer. Poet. Blogger

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From where should I start?

This is difficult, in fact.

Every time interviewer asks… “tell me about yourself” is the moment when my mind goes for a long drive, my lips go numb and my eyes struggle to make eye contact. I try my best to weave the words in a logical and rational manner. I fail most of the time in person. But, in writing, I’m well versed in presenting myself in a cool way.

Here you go…

Let’s talk about tea.

Or cricket.

Or socially awkward fitness freak beautiful women.

I think we should start with tea.

I’m a tea lover and I drink 4 to 5 cups a day. If I don’t get a cup of tea first thing in the morning after breakfast, I struggle to work to my full potential. This is what keeps me up and running and I can perform way better than I do without.

I’m not sure if you have heard about cricket — this is the most famous sport being played in the subcontinent. If I were not an engineer or writer, I’d probably be a cricketer. I know it’s difficult to get into this sport, let alone play for the national team. But I assure you, if I were not playing against the international teams, I’d most definitely be playing first-class. Thank God, I’m a writer, not a cricketer, otherwise, you’d miss the interesting story you’re reading right now.

Don’t judge me for this. Please. I like socially awkward fitness freak beautiful women. I mean, who wouldn’t? You can imagine me as a thorough gentleman while saying this since, I’m, indeed. I’m confessing this with all humility and respect.

I feel awkward breaking it to you, at times, I behave weird in front of beautiful ladies. I’m not sure if this happens to others, but this is my flaw and I’m still working on it. I think this is the contrasting effect that my mind generates; I like beautiful women but at the same time, I act weird in front of them. My mind is a bit hot mess.

Who am I?

I’m Aqeel, Adnan Aqeel… 700.

Lol.

I’m an 18+ male — a Mechatronics Engineer from UET Lahore, Pakistan. I used to be a brilliant student until I entered the university where I would study at the eleventh hour and barely pass the exams. That late-night study with friends, savoring parathas at the canteen, and working on the group project makes me sad. Since I miss those days, still. Those were the days.

I did a corporate job for almost five years before I started freelancing. Now, I’m a full-time freelance writer. Even though I’m new to Medium, I have been writing for quite a while now. I cover topics related to writing, technology, and humor with the occasional input on the human life.

I have been active on Linkedin for over three years and I have built a community of some amazing people. I get a lot of love and support from folks over there and they tell me that my writing resonates with them.

Know that some people don’t like me and I don’t care. I mean I do, the reason I’m telling it to you — but not as much that affects my regular life. What I care about the most is my mental peace. Since I know, trying to keep everyone happy will make you miserable and you will most probably end up being the loneliest. I feel maturity is knowing that you can’t control people and make everyone happy; the only person you can control is… yourself. And I work on that. Every. Single. Day.

Oftentimes, if I encounter someone familiar in real life, their first question would be… Are you married? What do you do? Is writing even a job? How do you make ends meet? Well, now I get used to these questions. They don’t affect me anymore. Because I know if I were a married person doing 9–5, I would probably be asking similar questions. Who knows?

Some Facts about me:

1. My nickname is Dani. I love it when people call me by my nickname.
2. Besides biryani (rice with chicken), my favorite food is bhindi (ladyfinger), matar-qeema (peas in minced meat), and aalu-anday (potato-eggs).
3. Even though I love dogs, I’m a cat person. Sometimes I wish I were a cat; just roll my tongue all over my face and get ready for work.
4. My favorite season is FRIENDS — it is a true representation of a simple and happy life: friendship, love, comedy, and drama with the lesson that you only need a few true friends to get through your life struggles.
5. I’m a kinda obsessed and possessed person. Earlier, I used to develop feelings with everyone I meet, but now, I have learned the skill to manage my emotions. I don’t get attached. Since I know, in the end, everyone leaves. No one stays. This is life.
6. I don’t argue; even if someone wants to start an argument, I prefer mental peace over proving someone else wrong.
7. I don’t give unsolicited advice to anyone even if I know that they are doing something wrong; I only help those who ask for help.

My Point:

Getting followers and making an impact is cool. Everyone wants endorsement and validation from outside. No matter how much you deny it, it’s a fact. The reason we are here. But I focus more on inspiring a few people who can connect with my content rather than targeting a large community that doesn’t care if I exist.

I believe in hard work more than I do in fate. Both count, no doubt, but hard-working people can shape their future and write fate with their own hands.

This is the age of the digital revolution. If you have skills and talent, the rest will follow. Let the world know what you can do, and they will listen, definitely; for this world is hungry for quality content. If you think your content can inspire people, then go and conquer the world — since the playing field is level for all of us.

Thank you for reading my story!

You can connect me here on Linkedin.