Here's my pitch on why everyone should have kids. And if you're firmly on the opposite side of that decision, that's okay and this message isn't for you. 
In my early 20s, I was selfish, cynical, and logical -- as everyone should be at some point in their life, preferably when the hangovers aren't too unbearable. I wasn't ready to settle for a man (boy) or an average job. I was career focused and juggling 80-hour work weeks while partying as a serious part-time job. I was living the dream. I didn't think or care much about anyone other than myself long term.
One day, in my mid 20s a shift happened in my brain (probably my frontal lobe fusing fully together) and the life I was living was getting old. I recognized that being selfish could only sustain me for so long. I had an emptiness, a void that needed filling. Thoughts of marriage and babies started entering that fused frontal lobe of mine and the desire to serve someone other than myself became undeniable. While there are many ways to serve others, I think having kids is one of the most impactful. Some of the most important work I could ever do is within the walls of my own home.
Having a baby pulled me out of my self-centered bubble and reminded me of the quote "one day you'll be old enough to believe in magic again." I started seeing the world with fresh eyes and the binary and cynical perspective I once had was replaced with seeing the supernatural and magic in everything.
Recently, when my toddler stayed with my parents for the weekend, the absence of chaos struck me as I cooked breakfast. No little hands to help, no noise -- just a void. I had forgotten what life was like when it was just me cooking breakfast for myself. Yet in that quiet, there was no magic either. Kids exude magic in everything they do, and it permeates every aspect of life. With the magic my baby brought into the world, life took on a larger meaning. I understand how cheese balls this sounds and my younger self is rolling her eyes. If you're in your selfish era, you might not believer me either, and that's okay.
I used to grapple with insecurities about my body and looks, among other things. Then, God blessed me with the most perfect, beautiful little girl who looks exactly life me. I can't look at her without seeing a mirrored reflection of little Jessica. How can I let insecurities affect me when I have a mini-me showcasing the most perfect mirror? Little does she know, or will ever know, my daughter has had a more profound impact on me than any therapist could have.
Having a baby doesn't mean giving up things you loved in your 20s when you were young, dumb, and broke. It simply means that your interests evolve, and there's a newfound magic in them. Some of my favorite activities with my toddler mirror those from my 20s -- patio margaritas and chips & salsa, then downtown shopping. It's essentially the same as when I was 23, but there's nothing you can compare to seeing a littler person experience a taco for the first time.