Tests, Allies & Enemies: What Could Go Wrong?

Apr 14

When we first said yes to launching Third Act Unscripted, we had a vision. A dream. Maybe even a calling. But what we didn’t have was a crystal ball showing us just how wild and twisty the journey would be. What we’re learning (and re-learning) in real time is that once you commit to stepping into something new—whether it’s starting a business, moving to a new country, or finally posting that first TikTok video—you inevitably meet the stage of the Hero’s Journey known as “Tests, Allies, and Enemies.”

And boy, have they all shown up.

The Mythic Map We Didn’t Know We Needed

If you’re new to the Hero’s Journey, it’s a narrative framework popularized by Joseph Campbell and later adapted by Christopher Vogler to make it a little more digestible. It essentially maps the arc of personal transformation, and this particular phase—tests, allies, and enemies—comes right after you’ve accepted the call to adventure. You’re no longer in your comfort zone, but you haven’t yet reached the reward. You’re in the thick of it.

What we love about using this framework is that it helps us zoom out. Instead of seeing the hard moments as evidence that we should stop, we can reframe them as signs that we’re on the path. They’re not detours—they’re the path itself.

Annie’s Test: TikTok and the Trolls

Putting yourself out there is hard. Annie had been saying for months that we needed to do video content. But actually hitting “record”? That was a major test. There’s vulnerability in showing your face and voice online, especially when you’re over 40, and especially in a world that still prioritizes youth and perfection. It felt like exposing ourselves to judgment from all angles—from strangers on the internet to people from our real lives who might stumble upon our content and wonder, “What is she doing?”

The enemies came fast. Some were subtle: the internal voices that whispered, “You’re too old for this,” or “No one cares.” Others were louder: real comments from viewers telling us we were desperate, irrelevant, or just plain embarrassing.

But here’s the thing: when you start seeing your life as a mythic story, those enemies become teachers. They’re a test of resolve. Of purpose. Of how deeply we believe in what we’re doing.

Katie’s Ally in the Alley

Then there are the allies. Sometimes they show up in the most unexpected places. Like a stranger in a narrow street in Málaga, Spain.

Katie was filming for TikTok, capturing the charm of the historic district where she’s currently going to school, when a man appeared out of nowhere. What started as a brief exchange turned into an incredible conversation. He was from Toronto—and shockingly, not far from where Katie grew up. He turned out to be an organizational psychologist passionate about the sandwich generation and the exact issues we’re exploring through this podcast.

This wasn’t just a fun coincidence. It was a signpost. A nod from the universe that said, “Yep, you’re on track.”

The Dance Between Doubt and Direction

It’s funny how quickly the tests and allies show up, often within minutes of each other. One minute you’re getting trolled online; the next, you’re receiving a message from someone who says your video helped them make a major life decision. That contrast has become a rhythm in this journey—a dance between doubt and direction.

What’s helped us stay grounded is each other. And Mia, our amazing collaborator. When one of us gets discouraged, the others hold the line. We remind each other of the bigger mission. That we’re not here to be cool. We’re here to be real.

The Uncool Club

One of the funny truths we’ve realized is that Gen X women (and many others in midlife) are still trying to be cool. Maybe it’s a holdover from middle school or high school when it wasn’t okay to show too much emotion or enthusiasm. But here’s the deal: cool is overrated.

In fact, we’ve unofficially dubbed our community “The Uncool Club” — a place where we can drop the act, speak from the heart, and admit that starting over or stepping into something new is messy and awkward and deeply meaningful.

Why This Matters Now

We both feel the urgency of this time. Maybe it’s being in midlife. Maybe it’s just being human. But there’s a deep knowing that we don’t have time to waste. This is not the dress rehearsal. If there’s a thing you’ve been wanting to do—a book to write, a move to make, a project to start—you can’t whiteboard it forever.

Start now. You can refine along the way. As Katie said in the episode, “When you have some success, you’re going to get a big test. It’s the universe checking in to see if you really mean it.”

Trusting the Path

We don’t have all the answers, and we’re not pretending to. That’s why this show is called Third Act Unscripted. Because we’re writing it as we go. What we do know is this: the moment you say yes to your own growth, the path reveals itself.

It won’t be smooth. It will involve unexpected tests, miraculous allies, and yes—some enemies too. But if you keep going, you’ll discover that everything you need is already along the way.

So if you’re in the thick of it right now—navigating new ventures, internet noise, emotional rollercoasters, or midlife doubts—you’re not alone. You’re just right where you’re supposed to be. And we’re right there with you.

Resources
📘 The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
📘 The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
🔗 Join the Party Pod Waitlist
🔗 Sign up for a Free A3 Workbook

Listen to episode 16, “Tests, Allies & Enemies: What Could Go Wrong?” wherever you get your podcasts!

Key Takeaways

The “Tests, Allies and Enemies” stage is a crucial part of any transformation story.
You may face both internal doubts and external criticism after committing to something new.
Allies often show up in surprising ways—pay attention.
Courage isn’t about perfection; it’s about continuing despite the discomfort.
Starting is more important than having it all figured out.
Community and connection are essential support systems on the path.
Let go of being “cool.” Be real instead.

We hope this episode/blog post helps you feel seen, supported, and a little more ready to keep going. The tests are real, but so are the allies. And you’re never in it alone.

With love,

Annie & Katie

Fina Valenzuela