Confession allows us to know ourselves better and brings us peace. Absolution also carries a strengthening grace which helps us resist sin in the future and live more saintly lives.
"Those confessionals scattered about the world where men declare their sins don’t speak of the severity of God. Rather do they speak of his mercy. And all those who approach the confessional, sometimes after many years weighed down with mortal sins, in the moment of getting rid of this intolerable burden, find at last a longed- for relief. They find joy and tranquility of conscience which, outside Confession, they will never be able to find anywhere". - John Paul II
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.