Page 8 - RPA Magazine December 2020

6 EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR’S LETTER Listening to Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono on the drive home from work the other day had me reflecting on 2020, which started like any other year but turned out unlike any we’ve had in recent history. It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact and been incredibly hard – physically, mentally and emotionally – on everyone. In the blink of an eye, life, as we had come to know it, radically changed. The things we so often took for granted were no longer an option. Words and phrases such as lockdown measures, masks, hand sanitiser and social distancing soon became a regular part of our vocabulary. DIY hair and beauty, and self-care practices soon became part of our at-home routines along with diffusers and essential oils, while online yoga sessions helped to reduce the anxiety of pandemic uncertainty. As lockdown measures continued and became increasingly severe in some parts of the country, pandemic fatigue quickly set in. It felt like human connection was jeopardised just as much as our physical and mental health – threatened by an unseen enemy we were all fighting against, together. We showed solidarity in the fight against the virus. We were alone in lockdown yet united in protecting those around us. While the impacts of the pandemic may be long lasting and while these experiences may have changed us forever, this year has also forced us to take a pause and consider what’s really important to us. We’ve learnt resilience, discovered the ability to endure and developed the realisation that, united, we can cope with anything. We’ve become more aware of ourselves and those around us and developed a deep sense of gratitude for the healthcare workers on the frontline: those like you, our selfless pharmacy assistants, who risked your own health every day for the sake of your community. 2020 has prompted us to cherish each other and our communities. It has taught us that everything is transitory, so it’s important not to take things for granted. It has forced us to pause, reset and realise that we need to be present in the moment, to prize human connection, and to have genuine care for those around us. As we move into 2021 and step out of the confines of our places of lockdown towards a new beginning, we must remember: no matter what comes our way, we’re all in this together. And together we can get through anything that comes our way. Margs Margaret Mielczarek Editor RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • DEC 2020 MANAGING DIRECTOR Amy Harvey EDITOR Margaret Mielczarek margaret.mielczarek@retailmedia.com.au PRODUCTION All material inquiries: production@retailmedia.com.au Journalists: Emily Devon, Nerine Zoio, Nicholas Rider, Peter Howard Graphic Designers: Peter Gilmour, Kathleen Barker, Ricky Esteb Sub Editor: Roy Milton SUBSCRIPTIONS 02 9890 1199 subscriptions@retailmedia.com.au ADVERTISING Victorian State Manager Tina Cooper M: 0499 681 111 tina.cooper@retailmedia.com.au Senior Account Manager Heather McWhirter M:0432 665 587 heather.mcwhirter@retailmedia.com.au Senior Account Manager Sonia Bonner M: 0432 276 390 sonia.bonner@retailmedia.com.au VOLUME 1, No 19 POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 2231, North Parramatta NSW 1750 www.retailmedia.com.au. DISCLAIMER: Retail Media Pty Ltd is a specialist retail publisher and publisher of Retail Pharmacy Assistants magazine. 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