what does cole decide is the real power?

I think Cole realizes that the real power lay in nature,

"The explosion had shocked his mind awake. Never in his life had he felt so exposed...he had no control.To this storm he was as insignificant as a leaf...How could he have ever thought that he truly controlled anything?"

Cole decided that living was meaning that you get a choice and make choices which are real power. "The power to choose was real power, not the fake power of making others afraid..."