Goodwill Toward All

I notarize documents, but I hope the kindness I bring is what people remember most.

by Cruzsilla

After a signing this weekend, I found myself reflecting on how kind and genuinely appreciative my clients were. I left with a smile—one of those smiles you don’t force, the kind that settles in because your heart feels full. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. Every time I meet someone new in our community, I’m reminded that serving is part of my purpose.

Now, I know some people hear “serving” and think, But you charge for your services!
And yes—of course I do. Notary work is a business and it comes with fees. But when I talk about serving, I’m talking about the heart behind it. With every appointment, I bring professionalism, care, patience, and a commitment to doing my best for the people who book with me. I also try my hardest to bring kindness into every signing, because you never know what someone is going through or how much a gentle moment can mean.

As I reflected, the words “goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14) came to mind. Maybe it’s the Christmas season or maybe I’m just feeling sentimental, but that phrase lingered. My faith is my backbone for everything I do, and I try—imperfectly but earnestly—to reflect His love in the way I show up for others. I fall short plenty of times, but it’s not about the failures; it’s about getting back up and trying again. Thank goodness that score isn’t being tallied!

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

Lately, I’ve noticed how easy it has become for people to forget simple kindness. We’ve all seen it—those viral videos of rude or arrogant behavior, people acting as if they’re above everyone else. It’s draining. And honestly? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Because at the end of the day, we all bleed red.
We’re all human beings navigating this complicated world, sharing the same air, the same roads, and the same grocery store lines. And kindness—pure, simple kindness—costs nothing.

Here are just a few ways kindness shows up:

• A smile

• Letting someone merge

• Holding a door

• Saying “thank you” at the drive-through

• Being patient with the cashier

• Acknowledging the human standing in front of you

These small gestures may seem insignificant, but they can be exactly what someone needs to feel seen and valued on a difficult day.

My Hope for You

As you read this, my intention isn’t to lecture—just to offer a gentle reminder:
Show goodwill toward mankind.

Not just during the holidays, but always.

You don’t have to rearrange your life or go out of your way. Just be a kind human in the everyday moments that are already part of your day.

A little kindness goes a long way, and you never know whose day you might brighten.

🖋️ Why Notaries Can’t Give Legal Advice — and Why That’s a Good Thing

When I have a scheduled signing, clients are often in the middle of a critical moment — signing loan papers, verifying a power of attorney, or finalizing an affidavit. It’s natural to have questions about what type of notarization you need or how to complete your document.

But here’s one of the most important things to understand about our role:

Notaries are not allowed to give legal advice*

⚖️ The Law* Protects Both You and the Notary

In California, notaries are public officials appointed by the Secretary of State to verify identity, administer oaths, and serve as impartial witnesses. We ensure that you understand what you’re signing — not whether you should sign it or how the document should be worded.

Explaining or preparing legal documents would be considered the unauthorized practice of law, which notaries are prohibited from doing. This protects everyone involved by ensuring that only qualified legal professionals — such as attorneys — provide legal guidance.

✍️ What a Notary Can Do for You

At Gutierrez Legal Signings, we take pride in serving our clients with professionalism, integrity, and care. While we can’t offer legal advice, we can ensure your notarization is handled correctly and securely.

Here’s how we can help:

• Verify your identity and witness your signature

• Ensure your document is complete before notarizing

• Administer oaths or affirmations

• Apply our official notarial seal as required by law

💬 Unsure What Type of Notarization You Need?

If your document doesn’t specify whether it requires an acknowledgment or a jurat, you’ll need to check with the document issuer, the requesting agency, or your attorney before your appointment. This ensures compliance and avoids delays.

🤝 Our Commitment to You

At Gutierrez Legal Signings, we are dedicated to offering accurate, compliant, and community-centered notary services throughout Santa Clara County. Our goal is simple: 

to make the notarization process stress-free while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

📅 Schedule Your Appointment

Let’s make your next signing simple, secure, and professional.
👉 Book Your Appointment or contact us at cruzsilla@gutierrezlegalsignings.com

*California Government Code § 8223 and the California Secretary of State’s Notary Public Handbook.

The spirit of las Adelitas

Throughout history, there have been women whose bravery echoed louder than fear—women who refused to accept silence as their only role. Among them were las Adelitas, the revolutionary women who fought for justice, dignity, and freedom during Mexico’s Revolution. They were mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives who picked up rifles, carried messages, and tended to the wounded, all while defying a society that told them their place was in the shadows.

🔥 More Than Soldiers — Symbols of Change

I’ve always admired these women—not just for their courage on the battlefield, but for their unwavering spirit. The Adelitas were more than soldiers; they were symbols of resistance and transformation. They broke through the expectations of patriarchy and stood firmly in their truth, driven by a passion for justice and a love for their people. Their strength wasn’t born of comfort; it came from necessity and conviction. They didn’t wait for permission to act—they became the change their time demanded.

✊ Living With Purpose and Conviction

When I think of them, I think of the kind of woman I strive to be—brave, unyielding, and rooted in purpose. Like them, I want to live with a heart that refuses to back down in the face of injustice. I want to honor their legacy by continuing the work they started, in my own way—through advocacy, through community, and through the daily decision to stand up for what’s right even when it’s uncomfortable.

🌻 The Sacred Spirit of the Adelitas

There’s something sacred about the spirit of the Adelitas. They remind me that courage doesn’t always look like holding a weapon—it can be holding your ground, speaking your truth, and refusing to let fear define you. Their story is not just one of the past; it’s alive in every woman who chooses strength over silence, and faith over fear.

💫 Carrying Their Fire Forward

Each time I face a challenge, I remember them—their grit, their faith, and their fire. I may not be on a battlefield, but I carry their spirit with me in every act of determination, every moment I choose perseverance, and every dream I dare to chase.

To be like the Adelitas is to live boldly. And that is the kind of woman I know God wants me to strive to be.