For some people. However, the statistics have been proven out time and time again - the majority of people say that having children did not have an overall positive effect on their lives.
Keep in mind I have a child. And I think more like you - but the statistics don't lie - it's not for everyone.
That's only believable if you're asking people who never wanted children in the first place; which is an increasing thing with teen pregnancy being so rampant these days.
If you're asking people who've wanted children and had them at the right time in their life, I believe it would be a totally different story. I have an 11 month old, and while it can be really difficult (we have a very tough baby to deal with), it has been a positive on my life.