Contrary to how it is often portrayed on tv, a confession is so much more than just telling a priest your sins. While confessing your wrongdoings to the priest is the main idea of confession, there's a lot more that goes into it. A good confession starts with a good examination of conscience. While that sounds like something very fancy, an examination of conscience is simply taking time to think over your sins, and ask yourself "How have I failed God in the time since my last confession?" If you are truthful with yourself and allow yourself to fully examine your conscience, then an amazing confession awaits you. However, it can be hard to find a good examination of conscience that fits you. There are many on the internet, and nearly every church will have one for you to look at while you wait in the confession line, but I really suggest making time before you go to confession to do this. This is because the confession line can be kind of distracting, and this tends to be the time when people start to get pretty nervous. Doing an examination of conscience before hand will really enable you to fully recognize your own failings without letting nerves and distractions inhibit a good self-reflection. An examination of conscience I have recently found and love is one by Blessed Is She. If it's been a hot minute since your last confession don't panic! It's not a bad thing, God is so happy to see you back in that confessional. If you're just getting into the Church and aren't yet able to go to confession, or if you're not Catholic but really want to practice examining your conscience, feel free to do it daily. Many people do a mini examination of conscience nightly before bed. It is so easy to say "God please forgive me of my sins," but to individually acknowledge each wrongdoing will really allow you to recognize the things that you are easily tempted by so that you can work on avoiding those things in the future. There is so much grace waiting for you in the confessional, and God is so eager to shower you in His unending mercy and love. Never forget that the sins you say in the confessional are wiped off your soul forever. God's mercy is truly so powerful!
XOXO, MC