I'm pretty lucky I found a husband that really took to our traditions here. I've helped butcher our own steers and chickens before I was even 10 years old. (always missed out on the pigs, I think I was at school or something). He picked up on all the steps my Dad use to do and now the last couple years just the 2 of us can do a steer, plus cut, grind and wrap it.
I would rather not do the actual killing part if I can avoid it, I will. If not, oh well.
Just yesterday he was petting our friendly 2 month old calf saying hard to believe we'll be eating him. I told him "yeah but by then there will be some new Billy (his name) around"(we have about 90 head of cattle) I think that was always the trick growing up that I still use, have enough other animals around to transfer my attention on when the end was coming for the older animal.
Well today about 1/2 my Cornish crosses go, pretty good timing since I got my new Cochin chicks this week. But I do feel a bit wimpy since my husband will be doing head chopping. Dang it, they still peep like little chicks!