Let's assume that we have freedom of choice, the freedom to act according to our will. If that is the case, if our conscious decisions are based on our will - what's determining that will? One thing is for sure: It cannot be ourselves. If decisions are based on will, then deciding what your will is, would be a decision based on your will - a circular argument.

What exactly do you mean by preservation? In a biological sense, I would disagree with you. Animals (including humans) have the urge to self-preserve because it's evolutionary beneficial. Animals who want to survive are more likely to survive, cells and RNA reproduce for that same reason. Not because there is a god or because it's the meaning of the universe but simply because of natural selection.
"The universe preserves itself just by being itself"
How is that the case? Just because something exists, it doesn't mean it preserves.