The mirror in which we "see" our wretchedness?

You could try

... in which I admit ...”,

”... in which I confess to ...”,

or “... in which I face up to ...” {which has overtones of intending to do something as a consequence}

or “face ...” {which is a more passive acceptance of what you see}

All are predicated on your already knowing how wretched you are, combined with the moment of perception and honest acceptance of it.