FORGET THE GRIEF and REMEMBER THE FUN

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER

Reminiscing and Remembrance

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Yesterday, on TCM Movie Channel, I watched an old Black and White Movie ACTION IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC

The film, ACTION IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC, produced in 1943, stars the inimitable Humphrey Bogart, and is a story of the war at sea during the World War II. The thrilling movie depicts the bravery and adventure on seamen on a merchant navy convoy of ships bound from Halifax in Canada to Murmansk in Russia pursued by German Submarines (a Wolf-pack).

There is one quote in this movie that attracted my attention and remained etched in my memory even after the movie was over. During my evening walk I let the quote perambulate in my mind and the more I thought about it the more meaningful insightful these simple words seemed to me.

There is a scene on a dark and gloomy night, amidst treacherous seas with the enemy lurking below, where Humphrey Bogart, who is the Chief Officer of the Merchant Ship, and his Captain, are standing in the bridge-wings reminiscing and discussing their time on an earlier ship which was sunk by enemy torpedoes.

The Captain keeps talking about the tough hazardous times they had when their convoys were attacked and keeps recalling various tragedies and misfortunes; whereas the Chief Officer remembers all the fun, frolic, and his delightful amorous peccadilloes and escapades in various ports.

The Captain berates the Chief Officer and asks him how he can be so frivolous and merry in a dangerous and grim wartime situation, to which the Chief Officer (Humphrey Bogart) replies: “The difference between you and me, Skipper, is that You remember the grief. I remember the fun.”

Tell me, Dear Reader, when you recollect your past, are the recollections happy and pleasing or are they sad and unpleasant?

Let’s do an experiment.

Close your eyes and think of your childhood – what comes to your mind, what predominates – happy memories or sad moments?

Reminisce about each phase of your past life – your early years, school, college, career, marriage, your middle age, until now – and examine your recollections –pleasant memories and the not-so-pleasant remembrances.

Now you know what to do. Like Humphrey Bogart said – REMEMBER THE FUN.

So blank out all the sad and unpleasant memories of your past and remember the joyful pleasant moments. 

Hark back to memories and reminiscences which evoke a smile on your lips and erase from your brain all traces of your past grief. 

Forget the “bad guys” who harmed you and caused you misery and remember the “good guys” who added value to your life and gave you joy.

Yes, forget the grief and remember the fun

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
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Email: vikramkarve@sify.com        

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.