"It was definitely an adventure for me. I really am kind of a private person," she continues. "It really just comes down to the time and what I value the most. I value those times with my husband and our friends. And I really didn't want to miss another year. It's nice to be able to live life."
Paying homage to Real Housewives of New York City cast member Carole Radziwill's claim she only has "five good summers left," Edwards jokes, "I only have 25 good Christmases left!"
Edwards – who has long experienced deafness in her right ear – is most proud of using her time on the show to address those who suffer from hearing impairment.
"I feel really good walking away that I was able to get to a lot of people as far as my hearing device," she tells People. "I still get messages on Facebook and Instagram from people who got the hearing device that I have and it's changed their life. That's been great. I love hearing those stories."
She adds of the outpouring of fan response: "I'm really just an average Midwest people person kind of girl so I've never really felt like I was unapproachable, and I'm glad that it's that way."
Asked how her husband, Donnie, is taking the news, Edwards said, "He's happy to have his wife back! He was so supportive of me trying it out, but it definitely changed our lives last year. Not to say it wasn't great, but it was different! It will be nice to reconnect and get back to our lives."
Edwards says she'll stay in touch with RHOBH stars Lisa Vanderpump, Lisa Rinna and Yolanda Hadid, who revealed via social media last month that she would not be returning after four years on the reality show.
And, if nothing else, she fully intends to keep up with the drama from the comfort of her own home.
"I'm sure I will [watch next season]!" she says. "I'm dying to see what's going to happen with Vanderpump and the crew next season!"
Photo Credit: Bravo