The actress and author opens up to PEOPLE about the new season of her HGTV home renovation show, and why she's so much happier with this season than the first: "I was a bit of a mess. It was not my favorite time of life"— especially because this time around, it was a much more positive experience and she had control of the direction.
"The second season is about redemption, authenticity, truth and self acceptance," she adds. "I'm taking my power back, instead of giving it up. I took control of the show and figured out a way to keep to my vision, and turn it into a positive experience. I kept it real." Reflecting on her mindset during season 1, Anderson says, "Before, I was thinking it was a little HGTV Canada show and that it was going to just be about sustainable design. I was wrong, unfortunately, and once again I felt slightly exploited."