The dissolution of marriage is serious—emotionally, financially, every which way. But once you’ve made the decision (and certainly by the time the divorce is final), you might want to lighten up a little. Here, some suggestions—from the ritualistic to the rockin’!

1. Do the Rite Thing
Engage a Celebrant (officiates are relatively new to the States but have deep roots in Australia) to perform a ceremony that turns your divorce into a moving, meaningful event. “Anyone making this choice needs the support and acknowledgement of friends and family to make peace with the past and begin building a positive future,” says Boston-based Celebrant Cindy Matchett. “A thoughtful, respectful ceremony empowers the individual and provides the context for this healing.” The ceremony will be tailored to your feelings, culture, beliefs and traditions, and costs start at around $500. For more information go to Matchett’s website (www.meaningfulcelebrations.com) or to find a Celebrant in your area visit www.celebrantusa.com/map.htm

2. Declare Your Independence
“I designed divorce announcements to thank friends and family for supporting me through the multi-year process,” says Sherri Hill, 45, from Bethel, Connecticut “On the front, I printed the lyrics to REO Speedwagon’s Time For Me To Fly and added a personal note inside. From the feedback I got, recipients thought it was a wonderfully creative way to acknowledge what I’d been through and that I was moving forward.”

3. Smudge With Sage
Native American cultures know that burning a bundle of dried sage, also known as smudging, can result in spiritual house-cleaning. Ignite the sage and, starting at the doorway, move throughout your space counterclockwise, paying special attention to door and window frames, walls and corners. When the smoke clears, you’ll have purified your home—and purged your ex. Find sage bundles at www.incensewarehouse.com.

4. Find Someone New
We’re not talking about a rebound relationship, but one that’s healthy, fulfilling and unconditionally loving—with a pet. Philadelphia-based life coach Gari Julius Weilbacher, of www.coachingpartnerships.com, did just that after her own divorce. “I adopted a dog from the SPCA,” she explains. “Not having children, I needed something in my home to call my ‘family,’ something to ground me and obligate me to come home.” She now recommends getting an animal companion to post-divorce clients. A wonderful dog or cat is waiting at a shelter near you!

5. Think Ink
A new (or your first) tattoo can be a visual reminder of your decision to start fresh. “You could get the word ‘freedom’ in Chinese letters,” suggests Jon Jon, a tattoo artist with Cutting Edge Body Arts in NYC’s West Village. “Or if you’re getting out of a relationship with someone who never let you do anything, get something crazy, like a skull in flames.” A bird, a butterfly or a rising sun also convey the idea of freedom and rebirth.

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