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I think of it more as a starting point. Unlike the movies etc, they have someone go into a dark box and say bless me father for I have sinned... and then they list silly superfluous things.

I keep an inventory of things that I can do better. I do what is called an "Examination of Conscience". Think of it as a state of yourself report. I go over in my head ways in which I have fallen either short or completely.

For example were I to physically kill someone, that is a mortal sin, very grave, it separates me from God, not on his behalf so much, but on mine. Think Adam and Eve hiding from God after they ate the apple. They knew they messed up. But that is an easy to see sin. A no brainer.

Now this list that the good Father compiled, is a tool to find out the venial sins that I am guilty of, but probably much less aware of. By meditating on a list such as this I can see where I have fallen and sinned.

Confession is a way to examine yourself and tell God you are sorry in the most simple terms, but it really is more about spiritual maturity and growth. Some people choose to stay in a safe world and they confess little things either in a Confessional or in the case of Non-Catholics in prayer or maybe with their pastor in a form of counseling.

Faith is a journey, at least for me. Some decide they need only know a bit and they are happy with that. I like to go deeper and richer.