We Love Life – Thomas Burney

Thomas Burney, 24, works for an architectural firm. We paused him in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, to chat about Mike Tyson, lazy pants vs. gym pants and just being yourself.

What are your plans for today?
I’m going to have a mooch around town, then look in a couple of shops before eating some waffles and going to the gym.

Are you studying at the moment?
No, I work in Stockport for an architectural firm.

What are you listening to?
At the moment, ‘Damn’ by Kendrick Lamar, that’s probably my favourite album right now.

What are you reading?
Two things: I’m reading David Lynch’s ‘Catching The Big Fish’. That’s just a little bit of an insight into David Lynch’s mind. And Mike Tyson’s autobiography. That guy had the strangest childhood life. 

Are you watching anything at the moment?
I’ve just finished watching ‘Stranger Things’ and am now watching ‘Mad Men’ and a Netflix show called ‘Godless’.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?
It depends if I had my lazy or gym pants on. I’d go to the gym early on or do some yoga. Eating a really good breakfast and then chilling out and watching something.

For what in life do you feel most grateful for?
How fortunate I am, in most things. Like my family, they look after me. My girlfriend, she also looks after me.

Complete this sentence, “Ace mental health for me means…”
Feeling yourself, and feeling like you don’t have to be anyone you don’t have to be. Just being yourself and people appreciating you for that.

And what do you do to stay mentally healthy?
I keep myself occupied by going to the gym, watching things and reading as much as I can. Working. Meeting with friends y’know having a good time and having a laugh.