Mapping Your Third Act: Using Myth and the Heroic Journey to Navigate Life’s Big Transitions

Inspired by Episode 14 of Third Act Unscripted with Allison Stieger

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “What’s next?” after ticking off life’s big milestones—career success, raising children, or reaching retirement—you’re not alone. The “now what?” moment is a universal experience, but it often feels uniquely personal, lonely, and disorienting. Many midlife women (and men!) find themselves standing at the threshold of a new chapter without a clear map for what lies ahead.

But what if the guidance you’re searching for has been here all along, hidden in the ancient myths and stories that have shaped human experience for centuries?

In Episode 14 of Third Act Unscripted, we had the privilege of speaking with mythologist, author, and speaker Allison Stieger. She specializes in helping people use myth and the structure of the heroic journey to navigate major life transitions. Whether you’re approaching midlife, an empty nest, or are simply craving a life of greater meaning and purpose, Allison’s insights reveal that we are all on a heroic journey—one we have the power to shape.

The Hero’s Journey—Or Better Yet, the Heroic Journey

Allison makes a subtle but significant distinction right out of the gate: she prefers the term heroic journey over the more common hero’s journey. Why? Because it removes the gendered language that often makes us think of a male warrior slaying dragons. The heroic journey, Allison explains, isn’t about identity. It’s about action and choice.

At its core, the heroic journey is about saying yes to the adventure that life presents—whether we feel ready or not. Many people stay stuck for years, even decades, in what Joseph Campbell called “refusing the call.” We hesitate, resist, or avoid stepping into the unknown. But midlife is the perfect moment to make a different choice: to embrace the journey and reimagine who we can become.

Why Myth Matters in Your Third Act

Myths have endured because they speak to the timeless human experience. According to Allison, mythology isn’t about ancient history—it’s a living, breathing map of how people have navigated change, challenge, and transformation since the beginning of time. The characters and stories are metaphors for what we experience in our own lives.

Mythology gives us access to wisdom from those who came before us. The stories remind us that we are not the first to face uncertainty or to wonder how to begin again. And within these myths are powerful examples of what to do—and sometimes, what not to do.

In the third act, we are often faced with an uncharted path. For many of us, society’s guideposts have run out. We’ve checked the boxes: the career, the marriage, the house, the family. And yet, we feel there is still so much more life to live. But how? Mythology can serve as a guide, offering lessons from characters who’ve walked this path before.

Ariadne, Dionysus, and Finding Ecstasy in the Third Act

One of the most powerful myths Allison shared is that of Ariadne and Dionysus from Greek mythology. Ariadne helps Theseus navigate the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur by giving him a red thread to find his way back. In return, he promises to marry her, only to abandon her on the island of Naxos.

But this isn’t where Ariadne’s story ends.

On Naxos, the god Dionysus finds her. He is the god of ecstasy, liberation, and wildness—the one who breaks boundaries and offers a new kind of freedom. In this myth, Ariadne moves from betrayal and abandonment into a powerful new phase of life, one that invites her into the sacred ecstasy of living fully and freely.

For midlife women (and men), this story holds an important metaphor. We often spend the first half of life giving away our energy to others—partners, children, careers. There may come a moment where we feel abandoned or used up, wondering what’s left for us. But the third act can be our Naxos—the place where we meet Dionysus, where we find new joy, creativity, and meaning.

Demeter and Persephone: The Art of Letting Go

Another myth Allison shared is that of Demeter and Persephone. When Demeter’s daughter, Persephone, is taken to the underworld, Demeter’s grief is so great that she causes the earth to wither. Nothing can grow until Persephone returns.

Many parents (especially mothers) can relate to this feeling. When children leave home, it can feel like the loss of identity, purpose, and connection. The instinct is to hold on tightly, to refuse to let go. But Demeter’s myth also teaches us what happens when we stay stuck in grief: the world shrinks, life halts, and nothing new can be born.

The turning point comes when Demeter allows joy and connection to return to her life. In the myth, a servant named Baubo makes her laugh, breaking the spell of sorrow. Even in grief or loss, joy can be the doorway to renewal.

Archetypes: Understanding the Roles We Play

A major theme in Allison’s work is archetypes—the universal roles and patterns we embody in life. In midlife, we often shift from one archetype to another, sometimes willingly, sometimes not. You may move from being the caregiver to the wise mentor, or from the supporter to the creator.

Understanding archetypes allows us to see both the power and limitations of the roles we’ve played. It also gives us permission to choose new roles. You’re not limited to being “just” a mother, a spouse, or an employee. You can become the artist, the sage, the leader, or even the trickster who shakes things up.

The third act is a time to explore these archetypes and consciously choose who you want to become next.

Stepping Into Kairos Time: Creating Sacred Space for Your Third Act

Allison introduced another powerful concept: Kairos time versus Kronos time. Kronos time is the ticking clock of everyday life—schedules, errands, obligations. Kairos time, by contrast, is sacred time, where we lose track of the clock and become fully immersed in creative flow, connection, or spiritual presence.

In the third act, cultivating Kairos time is essential. Whether through art, meditation, nature, or community, finding those moments of deep presence can transform your experience of this chapter. It’s in Kairos time that we discover who we are beyond roles and expectations—and where we access the deeper wisdom waiting within us.

Learn More About Allison Stieger

We loved having Allison on this episode of Third Act Unscripted! If you want to learn more about her work with mythology, retreats, and personal consulting, here’s where to find her:

🌿 Website: mythicstories.com
🌿 Follow Allison on Social Media: Link Tree

Give her a follow and stay up-to-date on her upcoming retreats, workshops, and books!

Ready to Map Your Own Heroic Journey?

At Third Act Unscripted, we believe in creating community and conversation around these big transitions. That’s why we offer Party Pods, small groups where you can connect with others who are exploring their next chapter. Party Pods offer support, accountability, and a chance to dive deeper into these themes in a safe, encouraging space.

👉 Join the Party Pod waitlist here: Sign Up!

And if you’re ready to explore the myths, archetypes, and tools that can help you rewrite your story, we’ve created a free workbook just for you.

👉 Download your free workbook: Section 7: The Shadow
This section will guide you through embracing the unseen aspects of yourself—the parts that may hold both your greatest fears and your deepest gifts. It’s a powerful tool to help you navigate your heroic journey.

👉 Get your free workbook here: thirdactunscripted.com