I've often said: "I should have been Catholic." Mostly as a sarcastic joke aimed at some of my religious family and my own background. 

But in all candidness, jokes aside, I've always thought -- aside from some doctrinal (extinct years ago) and philosophical (eh, I still have some there) beliefs -- that confession -- the act of sharing hidden things with a priest would be incredibly carthartic. That I envied the opportunity to be able to voice something you don't share to anyone (just inside) to another person as something powerful and impactful. 

It's why I loved my "forum" and also my time in recovery support groups. 

And i've realized how much I keep bottled up, locked up inside me. My own wife and best friend not realizing these huge things I thought were very evident, or at least obvious but still didn't know. Not secrets, just things I don't share (particularly about Fear as a core driver for me). 

Confession is definitely related to prayer, which I'll want to cover in a similar fashion. 

So I asked Chat about confession from an emotional perspective and it was enlightening ... 

Emotionally, confession is about vulnerability, release, and acceptance (all things I've desperately wanted). It involves opening up and confronting inner truths or hidden emotions that may have been buried or ignored. Confession often carries the following emotional elements:

1. Vulnerability and Exposure

  • Confessing something, whether it’s an action, feeling, or thought, puts the confessor in a position of vulnerability. They must expose a part of themselves that may carry shame, guilt, or fear of judgment. It’s the act of shedding the protective layers we put up to hide our flaws or mistakes.

2. Relief and Catharsis

  • Confession can bring a profound sense of relief. By finally voicing something that’s been held inside, there’s an emotional release that lifts the weight of secrecy. This catharsis often helps alleviate guilt, anxiety, or shame, allowing the person to begin healing or moving forward.

3. Seeking Forgiveness or Understanding

  • Emotionally, confession often stems from a desire for forgiveness—whether from another person, from oneself, or even spiritually. It’s about seeking reconciliation with oneself or others, acknowledging the wrongs done, and hoping for acceptance and absolution.

4. Self-Acceptance and Clarity

  • On a deeper level, confession is about facing one’s own truth and embracing it. By admitting something, a person might come to terms with their identity, choices, or imperfections. This clarity can lead to personal growth and self-compassion, helping them integrate parts of themselves that were previously disowned.

5. Fear and Uncertainty

  • Confession often brings up fear—the fear of rejection, judgment, or loss. Emotionally, it can be a process fraught with anxiety, as the outcome of the confession is unknown. There’s a risk involved, which makes the act both courageous and emotionally intense.

6. Empowerment through Honesty

  • Paradoxically, while confession may begin with vulnerability, it can also lead to empowerment. By taking ownership of one’s truth and expressing it, a person gains a sense of control and agency over their narrative. This honesty can foster deeper connections and trust, both with others and oneself.

In essence, confession is an emotional journey that navigates the terrain of fear, guilt, relief, and ultimately, the possibility of healing and redemption.