自 my own

自 is "eye" plus a dot, which we'll call a splinter.
JESUS said, before you make fun of the splinter in my eye, take check out the huge-ass log in YOUR OWN eye. Then he sort of muttered, "Ass!"

freedom ★★★★★
自 (my own) + 由 (freedom / reason) = 自由 (freedom)

one's own ★★★★★
自 (my own) + 分 (understand / divide / minute) = 自分 (one's own)

one's own (dog, blunt, fungus, etc.) - BOOBOO: sometimes it also is used to mean "you" or "she", as in "She did it herself, as opposed to having others do it for her."

self-confidence ★★★★☆
自 (my own) + 信 (believe) = 自信 (self-confidence)

Japan's army ★★☆☆☆
自衛 (self-defense) + 隊 (troop) = 自衛隊 (Japan's army)

Japan's army, in English called the SDF (self-defense forces)

"I brought this on myself!" ★☆☆☆☆
自 (my own) + 業 (business) + 得 (bargain　/ obtain) = 自業自得 ("I brought this on myself!")