AceShowbiz - Melissa Gilbert was glad she moved away from Los Angeles when she did. Gilbert, celebrated for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie," started acting at age 2 and has since had a successful career appearing in various shows and TV movies. On the 50th anniversary of her famed show, she opened up about the pressures she faced in Hollywood and her journey towards self-acceptance.

"All of the pressures, I faced all of them," Gilbert told PEOPLE. "When you live in Los Angeles, it's like living at the mall when you work at the mall. Literally, everyone is in the business. When you walk into a restaurant, every head turns to see who walked in. Everybody's always looking, curious, competing, and that's a really difficult thing, especially for a female actor. It puts a lot of pressure on staying thin and staying young."

She's faced with questions, "Are you going to age comfortably and happily? Are you going to fight it, be unhealthy and feel like there's something wrong with you for aging and that you're defective because you've gotten older?"

In 2013, seeking a more authentic life without Hollywood's harsh expectations, Gilbert moved to Michigan with her husband, Timothy Busfield. She stopped using Botox and facial fillers and had her breast implants removed. After five years of focusing on her physical and emotional health in Michigan, the couple moved to a restored hunter's cabin, affectionately called "The Cabbage," in upstate New York in 2018.

Gilbert's journey is detailed in her recent memoir, "Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered." She reflects on the transformative decisions and the contentment she has found. "I'm excited about this. I love all these changes and watching what's happening and getting to know this new person," she shares. "I also feel so much stronger and I feel like I've really earned my opinions."

Her experiences led to the creation of Modern Prairie, an online lifestyle brand aimed at empowering matured women to embrace who they are. "Modern Prairie is a place where the modern seasoned woman can connect with other women to share their stories as we walk through all of these huge transitions in our lives," Gilbert explains.

As Gilbert encourages others to embrace aging, she adds, "I'm finally happy in my own skin. I'm so grateful and relieved and so much happier." Her journey, from Hollywood's spotlight to the tranquil countryside, illustrates the power of self-acceptance and authenticity. Life's transitions, however challenging, can ultimately lead to profound fulfillment.